bou2 naa1補𤶸补𤶸
Jyutpingbou2 naa1
Yalebóu nā
Definition
To patch; to patch up a hole in fabric.
colloquialclothingdaily actions
How it's used
Primarily refers to the physical act of mending a hole in fabric with a patch, often implying a visible repair rather than an invisible mend. It carries a slightly rustic or humble connotation, as it is associated with making do with what one already owns. While it can be used metaphorically in some dialects, in Hong Kong Cantonese it is almost exclusively reserved for clothing or textiles.
Examples
These pants have a hole, go get them patched up.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 補鑊, which is a common idiom meaning to fix a mistake or do damage control. While both involve the character 補, 補𤶸 is strictly literal and physical.
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.
