pou2浦
Jyutpingpou2
Yalepóu
Definition
A changed tone of the morpheme pou4, typically used as the final syllable of a place name.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
The character 浦 is almost exclusively encountered in place names in Hong Kong and Southern China. When it appears as the final syllable of a proper noun, the tone shifts from the original low-level tone to a high-rising tone, which is a common phonological process in Cantonese place names. This tonal change is essential for sounding like a local when referring to well-known locations like 黃埔.
Related words
Common phrases
Whampoa
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the original dictionary tone for 浦 when speaking, which can make the pronunciation sound unnatural or slightly robotic to native speakers. Always aim to adopt the high-rising tone when it functions as a suffix in geographical names.
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.
