hoi1 bo1開波开波
Jyutpinghoi1 bo1
Yalehōi bō
Definition
To kick off or start a ball game; to serve in sports like volleyball, tennis, or table tennis.
- to kick off or start a ball game
- to serve the ball to start a round
colloquialsportsdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of starting a ball game, this term is frequently used metaphorically in office or social settings to mean getting a project or a meeting underway. It carries a sense of anticipation and urgency, often implying that the preparation phase is over and the real action is beginning. It is a very common way to signal that it is time to stop chatting and start working.
Examples
Hurry up and start the game, I've been waiting forever.
Related words
Common phrases
start the game on time
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 開球, which is more formal and specific to the act of kicking or hitting the ball to initiate play. In Cantonese, 開波 is much broader and covers the general start of a match or even a task.
Grammar color guide
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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.
