bei1裨
Jyutpingbei1
Yalebēi
Definition
To benefit, help, increase, or enhance.
writtenother
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively encountered in formal, written, or academic contexts as part of compound words. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese, where people would prefer using 幫, 增加, or 好處 instead. You will mostly see it in the set phrase 裨益, which refers to a positive gain or advantage.
Examples
This plan is beneficial to the company.
Do you think this thing is beneficial?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a common verb in daily speech, but it sounds extremely unnatural and overly literary to native speakers. Stick to using it only within the specific compound 裨益.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
