bou2 zai2簿仔
Jyutpingbou2 zai2
Yalebóu jái
Definition
A small notebook, or figuratively, a bankbook.
- small notebook
- figurativebankbook
colloquialmoneydaily actions
How it's used
The term carries a diminutive feel, often implying something pocket-sized or personal. While it literally refers to a small notebook, it is the standard way to refer to a physical bank passbook in Hong Kong. Even as digital banking becomes more common, the term remains deeply embedded in the local vocabulary for managing personal savings.
Measure word
bun2本búnExamples
I need to take my bankbook to the bank to update it this month.
Related words
Common phrases
to update a bankbook
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a standard notebook or diary, which might be called 筆記簿. Using 簿仔 for a large professional ledger would sound unnatural and slightly comical.
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.
