bei2俾
Jyutpingbei2
Yalebéi
Definition
To give, hand over, or present to someone.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the basic meaning of giving, this verb functions as a causative marker similar to 'let' or 'allow'. It is also frequently used in passive constructions to indicate that someone or something has been affected by an action, such as 俾人鬧 which means to be scolded by someone.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin equivalent 給. While they share similar functions, remember that in Cantonese, this is the standard way to express both physical giving and causative actions, whereas Mandarin speakers might use different structures for the latter.
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.
