bun2本
Jyutpingbun2
Yalebún
Definition
Capital, principal, or funds for a business.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to the initial investment or principal amount in a financial context. It carries a sense of the foundation or core resources needed to start or maintain an venture. When used in the phrase 夠本, it implies reaching a point where one has recovered their initial investment or achieved a satisfactory return.
Examples
The most important thing for doing business is having enough capital.
Related words
Common phrases
principal
to break even or get one's money's worth
to lose capital
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the classifier 本 used for books. In financial contexts, it refers to the principal or investment, whereas in other contexts it can refer to the origin or source of something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
