bo1 zi2 gei1波子機波子机
Jyutpingbo1 zi2 gei1
Yalebō jí gēi
Definition
Pinball or pachinko.
- pachinko; a Japanese gambling machine featuring small steel balls
- pinball; an arcade game where players use flippers to keep a metal ball in play
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers to both the Japanese gambling-style pachinko machines and the classic Western-style pinball machines found in arcades. While the term covers both, context usually clarifies which one is meant, as the gameplay mechanics differ significantly. It is common to hear this used when reminiscing about old-school arcade culture in Hong Kong.
Measure word
bou6部bouhExamples
He really likes going to the arcade to play pinball.
Did you ever play that pinball machine when you were a kid?
Related words
Common phrases
to play pinball or pachinko
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 波子, which simply means marbles. Adding 機 is essential to specify the gaming machine.
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.
