jyu6喻
Jyutpingjyu6
Yaleyuh
Definition
To use a concrete thing with similar properties to explain an abstract or difficult concept; a metaphor.
writtencommunication
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively encountered as a bound morpheme within compound words like 比喻. It does not function as a standalone verb or noun in modern spoken Cantonese. When you need to describe the act of using a metaphor, you will always use the full compound 比喻 rather than the single character.
Examples
He used a metaphor to explain this matter.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this character as a verb meaning to compare or to metaphorize, but it is not a productive verb in Cantonese. Always use it as part of the noun or verb phrase 比喻.
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.
