bak1 bin1北邊北边
Jyutpingbak1 bin1
Yalebāk bīn
Definition
The north side; the northern part, or a direction facing north.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
Native speakers often prefer using the directional marker 邊 to specify location rather than just saying north. It is common to pair this with demonstratives like 嗰邊 or 呢邊 to clarify which specific area is being referred to. While 北邊 is perfectly understood, in casual conversation about city geography, people might simply use the name of the district or a landmark instead.
Examples
The toilet is in the northern part of the house.
Related words
Common phrases
that area on the north side
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 北邊 with 北面, but they are largely interchangeable in casual speech. However, avoid using 北邊 when referring to the cardinal direction itself as a point on a compass, where just 北 is sufficient.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
