bo1 tou4波濤波涛
Jyutpingbo1 tou4
Yalebō tòuh
Definition
Giant waves; also used metaphorically to describe a state of turmoil.
- giant waves
- figurativea state of turmoil; turbulent times
writtennaturedescriptions
How it's used
Literary in nature, this term is rarely used in casual daily conversation to describe actual ocean waves. It is more commonly employed in formal writing or metaphorical contexts to describe significant turbulence or major challenges in one's life or society. When referring to literal waves at the beach, locals almost always prefer the simpler term 浪.
Measure word
zan6陣janhExamples
Giant waves are rolling on the sea, it is terrifying.
He has experienced many ups and downs in his life.
Related words
Common phrases
turbulent and surging waves
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the colloquial slang 波, which is a loanword for ball or a reference to breasts. Using this term in a casual beach setting will sound overly dramatic or poetic.
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.
