bok3 hok6博學博学
Jyutpingbok3 hok6
Yalebok hohk
Definition
Erudite; learned; possessing broad and deep knowledge.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
博學 is a formal adjective used to describe someone with extensive knowledge across various fields. While it is perfectly understandable in spoken Cantonese, it carries a slightly literary or academic tone compared to everyday descriptors like 叻 or 識好多嘢. It is most commonly used when praising someone for their depth of learning rather than just their practical skills.
Examples
He has read so many books, he really is so learned.
How come you know so much and are so erudite?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 博學 to describe someone who is merely 'smart' or 'clever' in a practical sense, as it specifically refers to academic or book-based knowledge. Using it to describe a child who is just quick-witted might sound slightly unnatural or overly formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
