bei3畀
Jyutpingbei3
Yalebei
Definition
To give, allow, or make; also used to indicate the passive voice.
- to give; to hand over; to pay
- to allow; to let; to make
- by; to be affected by (indicating passive voice)
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Functions as both a ditransitive verb meaning to give and a passive marker similar to 被. When used as a passive marker, it often implies a negative or unfortunate outcome for the subject. It is the standard way to express giving in spoken Cantonese, replacing the more formal 給.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English preposition by in all contexts, as it specifically marks the agent in a passive construction. It cannot be used to indicate means or method, where you would use 靠 or 用 instead.
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.
