bou4埗
Jyutpingbou4
Yalebòuh
Definition
A pier, port, or place near the water.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Primarily functions as a morpheme in place names or specific compound words rather than as a standalone noun for pier. While it historically refers to a landing place or jetty, modern speakers almost exclusively use 碼頭 for the physical structure of a pier. You will most frequently encounter this character in the names of districts like 深水埗 or the compound 到埗.
Examples
He just arrived, he wants to find a place to rest.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a modern ferry pier or boat terminal, as it will sound archaic or confusing to locals. Stick to 碼頭 for any functional pier or dock.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
