zok3 bun6作伴
Jyutpingzok3 bun6
Yalejok buhn
Definition
To keep someone company as a companion; also used to refer to being in a romantic relationship.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the act of providing company to alleviate loneliness or isolation. It often implies a more sustained or emotional connection compared to simply hanging out, making it suitable for describing long-term partners or pets that provide comfort.
Examples
Are you bored being home alone, do you want me to come over and keep you company?
He has relied on his dog for companionship these past few years, living a very simple life.
Related words
Common phrases
to be companions for life
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual social contexts where you would simply say 陪. While 陪 is a versatile verb for spending time with someone, 作伴 carries a slightly more sentimental or serious weight, often implying a deeper need for companionship.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
