saa1 bou1 hing1 dai6砂煲兄弟
Jyutpingsaa1 bou1 hing1 dai6
Yalesā bōu hīng daih
Definition
Close male friends; sworn brothers or best buddies.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of shared hardship and long term loyalty, implying the friends have been through thick and thin together. It is specifically used for male friendships and often suggests a bond that is as solid as the clay pots once used in traditional kitchens. Using this phrase highlights a deeper, more rugged connection than simply calling someone a friend.
Examples
They have been playing together since they were kids, truly best mates.
You two are so close, so you're best mates?
Related words
Common phrases
a pair of best mates
Common mistake
Do not use this term for female friendships, as it is exclusively reserved for men. It also sounds slightly old fashioned or nostalgic, so it might feel out of place when describing casual or new acquaintances.
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.
