bei2 fong1比方

Jyutpingbei2 fong1

Yalebéi fōng

名詞

Definition

An analogy, metaphor, or simile used to explain something abstract or difficult with a concrete example.

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How it's used

Using this term often involves the verb 打, creating the common phrase 打比方. It functions similarly to the English "for example" or "to put it another way" when introducing an analogy to clarify a point. While it refers to metaphors or similes, it is most frequently used as a conversational tool to bridge the gap between complex ideas and everyday experiences.

Examples

nei5你daa2打go3個bei2比fong1方，zik1即hai6係soeng2想dim2點joeng2樣gaai2解sik1釋aa4呀？

When you use a metaphor, how exactly are you trying to explain it?

keoi5佢gong2講je5野hou2好zung1鍾ji3意jung6用bei2比fong1方，teng1聽lok6落hou2好jik6易ming4明。

He likes using metaphors when he speaks, it sounds very easy to understand.

Common phrases

daa2打go3個bei2比fong1方

to give an example / to use a metaphor

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 比如, which is used to list examples rather than to create a comparative analogy. Remember that this word focuses on the act of drawing a parallel between two things to explain a concept, whereas 比如 is simply for providing instances.