baau1 bei3包庇
Jyutpingbaau1 bei3
Yalebāau bei
Definition
To shield, harbor, or cover up for someone who has done something wrong.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the protection is unjust or unethical. It is frequently used in contexts involving workplace misconduct, criminal activity, or serious personal betrayals. Unlike general words for helping or supporting, this term specifically highlights the act of shielding someone from the consequences of their wrongdoing.
Examples
It is really wrong for you to cover up for him after he did something wrong.
Related words
Common phrases
to harbour a criminal
to cover up for a subordinate
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for protection like 保護. While 保護 can be used in positive or neutral contexts, 包庇 is exclusively used when someone is shielding a wrongdoer from accountability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
