kai2 ban2啟稟启禀
Jyutpingkai2 ban2
Yalekái bán
Definition
To report to one's superiors or elders.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Originally a formal term used in imperial court settings for subordinates to address superiors, it now carries a strong sense of irony or playfulness in modern Cantonese. People often use it mockingly to exaggerate the formality of a situation, such as when a colleague jokingly reports a trivial matter to a manager. It is rarely used in genuine, serious professional communication today.
Examples
Reporting to you, sir, someone is looking for you outside.
What matter do you need to report to the boss?
Related words
Common phrases
Reporting to your lordship
Common mistake
Do not use this in actual business or formal settings unless you intend to sound sarcastic or theatrical. It is strictly a performative word in contemporary speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Particle
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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.
