bit6別别

Jyutpingbit6

Yalebiht

語素Common

Definition

To separate, part, or no longer be together.

writtenpeopleother

How it's used

This character is primarily used in formal or literary compounds in Cantonese rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. For the common act of separating or parting, speakers almost exclusively use 分開 or 散. Using 別 as a verb in casual conversation will sound overly dramatic or like a line from a period drama.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋loeng5兩go3個gam1今jat6日jiu3要bit6別lei4離laa1喇。

The two of them have to part ways today.

nei5你dei6哋gei2幾si4時sin1先ho2可ji5以bit6別gwo3過ni1呢？

When will you two finally be able to separate?

Common phrases

bit6別lei4離

to part ways

gou3告bit6別

to bid farewell

Common mistake

Learners often try to use 別 as a direct translation for the Mandarin imperative don't, but in Cantonese, you must use 唔好 instead. Never use 別 to mean don't in a spoken context.