bai3閉闭
Jyutpingbai3
Yalebai
Definition
To close or shut, isolating the inside from the outside.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical act of sealing or shutting an opening, such as eyes or a mouth. While it shares the meaning of closing with 閂, 閉 is almost exclusively used for body parts or abstract concepts like closing a session, whereas 閂 is reserved for physical doors, windows, or gates.
Examples
Close your eyes quickly, don't peek.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 閉 for doors or windows, but native speakers prefer 閂 in those contexts. Using 閉 for a door sounds unnatural and overly formal or literary.
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.
