ban2 gou3稟告禀告
Jyutpingban2 gou3
Yalebán gou
Definition
To report to one's superior.
writtenworkcommunication
How it's used
Carries a formal and slightly archaic tone, often associated with historical dramas or very rigid hierarchical settings. Using it in a modern office environment can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic, as if one is treating a boss like an emperor. For everyday professional communication, stick to simple terms like 同上司講 or 匯報.
Examples
He has already reported it to his superior.
Have you ever reported this to the manager?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard verb for reporting, but it is rarely used in casual conversation. Using it to describe a routine update to a colleague will sound unnatural and pretentious.
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.
