baau3 hoi1爆開爆开
Jyutpingbaau3 hoi1
Yalebaau hōi
Definition
To pop open, burst open, or split open.
colloquialdaily actionsfood
How it's used
Focuses on the sudden release of pressure or tension that causes an object to split or burst. It is frequently used for food items like buns or popcorn, but also for physical objects like bags or seams that fail under stress. The addition of 咗 emphasizes the completed state of the bursting action.
Examples
The bag was packed too full and it popped open.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for abstract concepts like emotions or secrets, as it is strictly for physical objects bursting or splitting. For emotional outbursts, use 爆發 instead.
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.
