saang1 bou2生保
Jyutpingsaang1 bou2
Yalesāang bóu
Definition
Unfamiliar, strange, or alien.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Describes a sense of distance or lack of familiarity with people, places, or environments. It often carries a nuance of feeling awkward or out of place because of this lack of connection. While it can apply to people, it is most frequently used to describe locations or situations where one feels like a stranger.
Examples
This place is very unfamiliar, I cannot find the way.
Are you two not familiar with each other? Why are you being so polite?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 陌生, which is more formal and often used in written or news contexts. 生保 is strictly for spoken, everyday interactions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
