背包
bui3 baau1
The Cantonese word for backpack is 背包 (bui3 baau1).
背包 refers to a bag worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking.
Meaning: worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 背 (bui3), meaning 'back' and 包 (baau1), meaning 'bag' or 'wrap'.
Which one should you use?
書包 means school bag.
How do you pronounce it?
bui3 baau1
Did you know?
- The character 背 can be read as bui3 when referring to the 'back' of the body, but it is read as bei3 when it means 'to memorize' or 'to recite' a text.
- Cantonese speakers use the word 包 (baau1) as a verb to mean 'to guarantee' or 'to wrap up' a deal.
- Because 包 can mean 'bun' or 'pastry' in Cantonese, a very literal phonetic reading of the second character in isolation can refer to food.
Examples in context
- 你睇睇我個新背包好唔好?Can you take a look at my new backpack? Is it good?
- 呢個背包好輕。ni1 go3 bui1 baau1 hou2 hing1.This backpack is very light.
Example conversation
Meiling and Zhiqiang are preparing for a hiking trip.
- 志強 Chi Keung美玲，你準備好背包未？mei5 ling4, nei5 zeon2 bei6 hou2 bei3 bao1 mei6?Meiling, have you prepared your backpack yet?
- 美玲 Mei Ling準備好喇，喺門口嗰個就係。zeon2 bei6 hou2 laa3, hai2 mun4 hau2 go3 go3 zau6 hai6.I'm ready, the one by the door is it.
- 志強 Chi Keung你個背包好似好大。nei5 go3 bei3 bao1 hou2 ci5 hou2 daai6.Your backpack seems very large.
- 美玲 Mei Ling係呀，因為我要帶好多嘢。hai6 aa3, jan1 wai6 ngo5 jiu3 daai3 hou2 do1 je5.Yes, because I need to bring a lot of things.
