bun2 jan4本人
Jyutpingbun2 jan4
Yalebún yàhn
Definition
Myself; me; in person; used to refer to oneself.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Carries a formal and slightly detached tone that is rarely used in casual conversation between friends. It is primarily reserved for official correspondence, legal documents, or public announcements where the speaker wants to emphasize their individual responsibility or authority. Using it in a friendly chat often sounds overly stiff or pretentious.
Examples
I am not free to attend today.
I handled this matter personally.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct substitute for 我 in everyday speech. While grammatically functional, it sounds unnatural and overly bureaucratic in casual settings.
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.
