bei2比
Jyutpingbei2
Yalebéi
Definition
Ratio; a shorthand for proportion or ratio.
colloquialnumbers
How it's used
Used primarily as a suffix to describe numerical proportions or ratios between two quantities. It is almost always preceded by two numbers or values to indicate the specific split. While it functions as a noun, it is rarely used on its own without the preceding numbers defining the ratio.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the verb 比 meaning to give. Remember that when used as a noun for ratio, it typically follows numbers, whereas the verb appears before an object.
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.
