bok3 jat1 bok3搏一搏
Jyutpingbok3 jat1 bok3
Yalebok yāt bok
Definition
To take a chance; to try one's luck or give it a shot.
colloquialdaily actionsslang
How it's used
This phrase is heavily associated with the gambling culture of Hong Kong, specifically the idea of taking a calculated risk when the odds are uncertain. It carries a sense of adventurous spirit or desperation, often used when someone decides to push their luck in a high stakes situation. It is frequently paired with the phrase 單車變摩托, which describes the desired outcome of turning a small investment into a much larger gain.
Examples
Since the opportunity is rare, why not give it a try?
Are you really going to take a chance and start a business?
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 試下, which implies a casual or low stakes attempt. 搏一搏 carries a much stronger connotation of risk and potential loss, making it inappropriate for trivial tasks like trying a new food or testing a minor feature.
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.
