bou3 fuk6報復报复
Jyutpingbou3 fuk6
Yalebou fuhk
Definition
To retaliate or take revenge.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong, negative connotation often associated with malicious intent or petty grudges in interpersonal relationships. Unlike formal contexts where it might describe strategic military or political actions, in daily life it is frequently used to describe someone acting out of spite after a perceived slight.
Examples
He always wants to retaliate, it is really terrifying.
Why do you have to take revenge on him? We are all colleagues.
Related words
Common phrases
retaliatory mindset
to carry out retaliation
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple tit for tat exchanges or playful teasing, as the word implies a serious desire to cause harm or distress to the other party.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
