bou2寶宝
Jyutpingbou2
Yalebóu
Definition
Treasure; something of high value or importance.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used metaphorically to describe something or someone that a person cherishes excessively, sometimes implying that the person is being irrational or naive. It frequently appears in the phrase 當係寶, which highlights the contrast between the speaker's subjective valuation and the objective reality of the object's worth.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
This old toy was my treasure when I was a kid.
You treat it like a treasure, but others don't care about it at all.
Related words
Common phrases
to regard as a precious treasure
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to actual expensive jewelry or financial assets in a formal context, as it carries a strong emotional or colloquial nuance rather than a literal commercial one.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
