bou2保
Jyutpingbou2
Yalebóu
Definition
To protect and prevent from harm, or to maintain and keep a status quo.
- to protect, guard, or prevent from being harmed
- to maintain, preserve, or keep a status quo
neutraldaily actionswork
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese, rarely standing alone as a verb in daily speech. It frequently appears in compounds related to maintenance or defense, such as keeping a position or ensuring a result. When used to mean protecting someone or something, it is almost always paired with 護 to form 保護.
Examples
How did he manage to defend the championship?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a standalone verb like 'protect', but it sounds unnatural. Use 睇住 or 保護 instead depending on the context.
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.
