ban1奔
Jyutpingban1
Yalebān
Definition
To run, rush, or head towards a destination.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
Unlike the standard Mandarin usage where this character is common for running or heading towards a destination, in Cantonese it is often replaced by more specific verbs like 衝 or 行. Using 奔 in casual speech can sound slightly literary or dramatic, as if describing a scene from a movie or a novel. It is most frequently encountered in written contexts or when emphasizing a sense of urgency or direct movement.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this as a direct substitute for go, but it carries a strong sense of speed or purpose that makes it sound unnatural in everyday sentences like going to the store or going to school.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
