pou2普
Jyutpingpou2
Yalepóu
Definition
General, common, or universal.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This character rarely functions as a standalone word in modern Cantonese, appearing almost exclusively as a bound morpheme in compound words. It carries a sense of being widespread or standard, which is why it forms the basis for terms relating to universality or commonality. You will encounter it most frequently in the context of language or general standards.
Examples
This is a very common snack.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not attempt to use this as a standalone adjective to mean common, as it will sound unnatural or archaic. Always pair it with another character to form a complete word like 普通.
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.
