bok3博
Jyutpingbok3
Yalebok
Definition
Wide, broad, or expansive; possessing abundant knowledge.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the formal meaning of broad or extensive, this character is frequently used in a colloquial sense to mean taking a risk or giving something one's absolute best effort. When used as a verb, it implies gambling or betting on an outcome, often in high-stakes or stressful situations. It carries a sense of intensity that distinguishes it from simply working hard.
Examples
He is very well-read and knows a little bit about everything.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the gambling term 博彩, but in daily conversation, it is more commonly used as a verb meaning to take a chance or to go all out.
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.
