faat3 bou2法寶法宝
Jyutpingfaat3 bou2
Yalefaat bóu
Definition
A magical gadget, tool, or secret weapon used to achieve a goal.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originally referring to magical items in folklore or fantasy, this term has evolved to describe any clever trick, secret method, or unique skill used to solve a difficult problem. It carries a slightly playful or exaggerated tone, implying that the solution is almost magically effective. It is frequently used in professional or competitive contexts to describe someone's hidden advantage or 'ace up their sleeve'.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
What secret trick does he have to get things done so quickly?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal magic items found in fantasy stories. While it can be used that way, it is far more common in daily life to refer to a practical, non-magical 'trick of the trade' or a clever strategy.
Grammar color guide
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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).
