bou2 dou1寶刀宝刀
Jyutpingbou2 dou1
Yalebóu dōu
Definition
A treasured, sharp, or antique sword.
colloquialother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of an antique sword, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a person who still possesses great skill or talent despite their age. It is common to hear someone described as 寶刀未老, meaning their skills have not faded with time. The phrase carries a sense of respect for someone's enduring expertise.
Measure word
baa2把báExamples
His treasured sword is really sharp.
Do you still have that treasured sword there?
Related words
Common phrases
still sharp as ever despite age
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a regular sword, which is simply 刀. Using 寶刀 to describe a common kitchen knife or a modern weapon will sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
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.
