bou2 haai4補鞋补鞋
Jyutpingbou2 haai4
Yalebóu hàaih
Definition
To repair a broken shoe; cobbling.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Street-side cobblers are becoming a rare sight in modern Hong Kong, often found in small stalls or tucked away in older shopping arcades. The term specifically refers to the act of fixing worn-out soles or heels rather than general cleaning. It carries a sense of nostalgia, as many people now prefer to buy new footwear instead of paying for repairs.
Examples
The sole of my shoe has a hole, I need to take it to get repaired.
Do you know where there is still a master who repairs shoes?
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 補習, which means to attend or provide private tutoring. While both start with 補, the former is strictly for physical objects like shoes.
Grammar color guide
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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.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
