tai2 baan2睇辦睇办
Jyutpingtai2 baan2
Yaletái báan
Definition
To check, inspect, or examine a sample.
colloquialworkshopping
How it's used
Originally a business term for inspecting physical product samples, this has evolved into a common metaphor for checking anything out before committing to it. It carries a sense of caution and verification, ensuring quality or suitability matches expectations. People often use it when asking someone to preview a document, a design, or even a potential candidate for a job.
Examples
Bring the goods back for me to check the sample first.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply looking at something, as it implies a formal or semi-formal process of evaluation against a standard or expectation. It is not used for casual observation like watching a movie or looking at scenery.
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.
