be1 be1 zai2啤啤仔
Jyutpingbe1 be1 zai2
Yalebē bē jái
Definition
Baby or infant.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term is a playful, affectionate way to refer to a male infant. It is derived from the English word baby, reflecting the common practice of adopting loanwords into Cantonese and adding reduplication for a cuter, more diminutive effect. While it specifically denotes a boy, it is often used in casual settings where the gender is already known or being highlighted.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to give birth to a baby boy
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in formal or professional contexts, as it sounds very informal and childish. It is strictly for social conversation among friends or family members.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
