koeng5 bou2襁褓
Jyutpingkoeng5 bou2
Yalekéuhng bóu
Definition
A swaddling cloth used to wrap babies.
writtenfamilypeople
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts to describe the infancy period of a person. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people prefer using BB or 嬰兒 to refer to the baby itself. Using this word in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or poetic.
Examples
He has lived here since he was an infant.
The baby is still wrapped in the swaddling clothes.
Related words
Common phrases
infancy
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common household item, but it is a literary term for swaddling clothes. Do not use it to describe modern baby blankets or towels.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
