bing1 maa5兵馬兵马
Jyutpingbing1 maa5
Yalebīng máh
Definition
Troops; military forces.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
While literally referring to ancient military forces of soldiers and horses, this term is frequently used metaphorically in modern Cantonese to describe a large group of people or a team being mobilized for a specific task. It carries a slightly dramatic or grand tone, often implying that the group is significant in size or importance. Using it to describe a small group of friends can sound humorous or exaggerated.
Measure word
kwan4群kwànhExamples
This battle requires mobilizing a lot of troops.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the more common term 人馬, which is used broadly for any group of people. 兵馬 specifically retains a sense of military-style organization or a large, purposeful gathering.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
