bok3 ceoi2博取

Jyutpingbok3 ceoi2

Yalebok chéui

動詞Rare

Definition

To try to win or gain something psychological, such as trust or sympathy.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

博取 carries a slightly manipulative or calculated nuance, implying that the person is actively performing an action to secure a specific reaction or benefit from others. It is rarely used for tangible objects and is almost exclusively reserved for abstract social capital like sympathy, trust, or attention. When someone is accused of doing something just to 博取 attention, it often implies they are being insincere or performative.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日baan3扮caam2慘，soeng2想bok3博ceoi2取daai6大gaa1家ge3嘅tung4同cing4情。

He always acts miserable, wanting to gain everyone's sympathy.

nei5你zou6做gam3咁do1多je5嘢，hai6係mai6咪soeng2想bok3博ceoi2取keoi5佢seon3信jam6任aa4呀？

Are you doing all this because you want to gain her trust?

Common phrases

bok3博ceoi2取tung4同cing4情

to play for sympathy

bok3博ceoi2取seon3信jam6任

to win someone's trust

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 爭取, which is used for fighting for rights, opportunities, or goals that one is entitled to or deserves. 博取 is specifically about winning over someone's feelings or perception, often with a hint of artifice.