coi3賽赛
Jyutpingcoi3
Yalechoi
Definition
Match, race, competition, or game.
neutralsports
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese rather than a standalone verb. It appears most frequently in compound nouns related to sports or academic contests. When referring to a specific match or game in casual speech, speakers often prefer using the loanword 波 or the term 比賽 instead of using this character alone.
Examples
Is there a live broadcast of the match tonight?
They are preparing to participate in next month's competition.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 賽 as a standalone verb to mean to compete, as it sounds unnatural or overly formal. Use 參加比賽 or 比試 instead to convey the action of competing.
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.
