jat1 bou6一部
Jyutpingjat1 bou6
Yaleyāt bouh
Definition
The Kangxi radical 1; also a classifier for films, novels, machines, or vehicles.
- Radical 1
- classifier for books, movies, mobile phones, vehicles, or machines
colloquialtechnologydaily actions
How it's used
This classifier is specifically reserved for complex machines, electronic devices, and artistic works like films or plays. It implies a sense of mechanical or structural integrity, which is why it is never used for simple objects like chairs or books. Using it for something too small or simple can sound unnatural or overly formal.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 個 for everything, but using 個 for a car or a computer sounds very uneducated. Always use 一部 for vehicles, appliances, and digital devices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
