baau1 wai4包圍包围
Jyutpingbaau1 wai4
Yalebāau wàih
Definition
To surround, encircle, or besiege.
neutralpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of encircling or closing in on a target from all sides. While it can be used in military or tactical contexts, it is equally common in everyday speech to describe being crowded by people or trapped in a situation.
Examples
The police have already surrounded the house.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 圍住, which is more commonly used in casual speech to describe simply being gathered around someone or something, whereas 包圍 implies a more deliberate or restrictive encircling action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
