bou2 on1保安
Jyutpingbou2 on1
Yalebóu ōn
Definition
Security; the state of safety and order in a place, or the personnel hired to maintain it.
- security; public security; the state of safety and order in a place
- security guard; security personnel
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Refers both to the abstract concept of security and the person performing the job. When referring to the person, it is common to add a classifier like 個 to clarify you are talking about the individual guard rather than the general state of safety.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Security here is very tight; you are not allowed to enter casually.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 警察, as 保安 typically refers to private security personnel in residential or commercial buildings, whereas 警察 refers to law enforcement officers.
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.
