bun2 si6本事
Jyutpingbun2 si6
Yalebún sih
Definition
Capable, competent, or able.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used with a slightly sarcastic tone when someone is being arrogant or showing off. While it literally means capable, it frequently implies that someone has successfully achieved something difficult or impressive, sometimes against the odds. It is more common in spoken Cantonese than the more formal 有能力.
Examples
He is really capable, he handled everything all by himself.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can mean a skill or a trick. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used as an adjective to describe a person's capability or competence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
