laai1 baa1拉巴
Jyutpinglaai1 baa1
Yalelāai bā
Definition
Library.
colloquialschool
How it's used
This term is a phonetic loanword derived from the English word library. It is primarily used by students and younger generations in casual conversation. Using this word in a formal or academic setting might sound unprofessional, so stick to 圖書館 when speaking to teachers or in official contexts.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Cantonese word for pulling, which is also written as 拉. The context of studying or borrowing books makes the intended meaning clear.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
