tou4 bou3圖報图报
Jyutpingtou4 bou3
Yaletòuh bou
Definition
To seek or hope to repay someone's kindness or favor.
writtenother
How it's used
This term carries a formal and somewhat literary weight, often appearing in written contexts or formal speech rather than casual daily conversation. It implies a sense of duty or moral obligation to return a favor or kindness, distinguishing it from the more common and neutral word 報答.
Examples
How do you plan to repay him?
Related words
Common phrases
to seek to repay a kindness
Common mistake
Learners often use this interchangeably with 報答, but 圖報 carries a more deliberate, almost strategic nuance of planning to return a favor, whereas 報答 is a general term for expressing gratitude through action.
Grammar color guide
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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.
