faan2 bei2反比
Jyutpingfaan2 bei2
Yalefáan béi
Definition
Inversely proportional; describing a relationship where one value increases as the other decreases.
neutralother
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or academic contexts to describe a mathematical or logical relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases. It is almost always paired with the verb 成 to form the phrase 成反比. While it sounds intellectual, it is frequently used in casual conversation to express irony or frustration regarding unfair outcomes.
Examples
Your effort and your rewards are inversely proportional.
Why is their age inversely proportional to their maturity level?
Related words
Common phrases
to be inversely proportional
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 正比, which means directly proportional. Ensure you distinguish between the two when discussing correlations, as mixing them up completely reverses the intended meaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
