leoi6 bei2類比类比
Jyutpingleoi6 bei2
Yaleleuih béi
Definition
To make an analogy; to infer the characteristics of one thing based on those of another.
neutralcommunicationother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal, academic, or logical contexts rather than casual daily conversation. It functions as a precise way to describe the intellectual process of comparing two distinct things to highlight their shared structural or functional properties. In everyday speech, people often prefer using simpler phrases like 拎嚟比 or 比較.
Examples
Don't draw an analogy between these two things, they are completely different.
He used a very simple example to draw an analogy for this phenomenon.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 比較, which is a general comparison. 類比 specifically implies an inference or argument based on shared characteristics, whereas 比較 just notes similarities or differences.
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.
