bei3祕
Jyutpingbei3
Yalebei
Definition
Secret, confidential, or mysterious; also used as a surname.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Pronunciation varies significantly depending on the context. When referring to secrets or mysterious things, it is commonly pronounced as bei3, but in certain formal or literary compounds, it may be read as bei3 or sometimes even mi3 in specific borrowed terms. Native speakers often default to using 祕密 for anything confidential, making it the most reliable way to express the concept of a secret.
Examples
This matter is very secret, don't tell anyone.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the character 祕 with 密. While they frequently appear together in the word 祕密, they are distinct characters that should not be used interchangeably in other contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
