bou2 ci4保持
Jyutpingbou2 ci4
Yalebóu chìh
Definition
To maintain, keep, or stay in a certain state or condition to prevent change or deterioration.
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the active effort required to prevent a state from changing or deteriorating. Unlike the English word keep, which can be used for possession, this term is strictly reserved for maintaining a condition, status, or standard. It often implies a conscious, ongoing process rather than a passive state.
Examples
You need to stay quiet and not disturb others.
How does he/she manage to keep such a good figure?
Related words
Common phrases
keep one's distance
stay in touch
stay calm
Common mistake
Avoid using this for physical possession of objects, as it does not mean to hold or own something. Use 攞住 or 留住 instead when referring to keeping an item in your hands or possession.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
