bou3 daap3報答报答
Jyutpingbou3 daap3
Yalebou daap
Definition
To repay a favor, requite kindness, or return the goodwill of others with actions.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term carries a sense of moral obligation or deep gratitude, often used when someone has provided significant help or support. While it can be used in casual settings, it is slightly more formal than simply saying 回報 or 報恩. It frequently appears in contexts involving parents, mentors, or people who have gone out of their way to assist during a crisis.
Examples
He really wants to find a chance to repay your kindness.
How do you plan to repay him for helping you?
Related words
Common phrases
to repay a debt of gratitude
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 報復, which means to retaliate or take revenge. Ensure the context is clearly positive, as 報答 is strictly for returning kindness, not for settling scores.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
