ok3 bou2惡補恶补
Jyutpingok3 bou2
Yaleok bóu
Definition
To cram or study intensively over a short period to acquire urgently needed knowledge.
colloquialschoolwork
How it's used
Focuses on the urgency and intensity of the learning process, often implying that the person is behind schedule or facing an immediate deadline. It carries a sense of desperation or last minute effort, distinguishing it from regular studying or reviewing. It is frequently used in academic or professional contexts where a specific skill or knowledge gap must be bridged quickly.
Examples
You haven't even practiced the basics, so no amount of cramming will help.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe long term or steady learning, as it specifically implies a short, intense burst of effort to catch up. It is not a synonym for general revision like 溫書.
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.
