bou2 jyu5補語补语
Jyutpingbou2 jyu5
Yalebóu yúh
Definition
Complement; a grammatical element that follows a verb or adjective to express result, direction, quantity, or degree.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
Technical linguistic terms like this are rarely used in casual daily conversation unless you are specifically discussing grammar or language learning. In a classroom setting, it is often used to explain how Cantonese verbs combine with other elements to express direction or completion, such as adding 完 or 到 after a verb.
Examples
A complement has been added after this verb.
Related words
Common phrases
resultative complement
directional complement
Common mistake
Learners often confuse grammatical complements with objects, but a complement describes the action or state rather than being the entity acted upon. Remember that in Cantonese, the complement usually follows the verb directly, often without any connecting particles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
