bou3 jan1報恩报恩
Jyutpingbou3 jan1
Yalebou yān
Definition
To repay someone for their kindness, or to do something out of gratitude.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a formal or slightly dramatic tone, often appearing in stories, movies, or when discussing deep moral obligations. It implies a significant debt of gratitude rather than a simple thank you for a minor favor. Using it for casual interactions can sound overly intense or theatrical.
Examples
He is doing all this just to repay the kindness.
How do you plan to repay the kindness?
Related words
Common phrases
eager to repay a debt of gratitude
Common mistake
Avoid using it for small, everyday favors like holding a door or paying for a coffee, as it sounds disproportionately heavy. For minor acts of kindness, use 報答 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
