bo3播
Jyutpingbo3
Yalebo
Definition
(bound form) to sow (seeds); to spread (ideas, rumors etc); to broadcast (radio signals etc)
colloquialtechnologycommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the act of triggering media playback or transmission rather than the creation of content itself. It is the standard term for playing digital files like videos or music, as well as live broadcasts. Unlike the Mandarin usage, it is rarely used for the agricultural sense of sowing seeds.
Examples
nei5 bong1 ngo5 bo3 go2 sau2 go1 hou2 m4 hou2 aa4
你幫我播嗰首歌好唔好呀？
Could you play that song for me?
din6 si6 toi4 gam1 maan5 wui6 ji5 bo3 me1 zit3 muk6
電視台今晚會播咩節目？
What programs will the TV station broadcast tonight?
Related words
Common phrases
bo3 pin2
播片
to play a video clip
bo3 go1
播歌
to play music
zik6 bo3
直播
to broadcast live
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 玩, which is used for playing games or musical instruments. Use 播 specifically for media files or broadcast signals.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
