幫手
bong1 sau2
In Cantonese, the phrase for 'helper' is 幫手 (bong1 sau2).
幫手 refers to a person who provides assistance to someone else to complete a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 幫 (to help) and 手 (hand), which literally means 'help hand'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although 幫手 can function as a noun meaning 'a helper', it is most commonly used as a verb meaning 'to help' or 'to lend a hand'.
How do you pronounce it?
bong1 sau2
Did you know?
- In Hong Kong, the specific term 幫傭 (bong1 yung4) is used as a polite euphemism when referring to foreign domestic workers.
- The character 手 (sau2) appears in many Cantonese roles where the 'hand' represents a professional skill, such as 歌手 (kau1 sau2) for a 'singer'.
- While 幫手 is common in casual conversation, switching to 協助 (hip3 si6) instantly changes the tone to one of formal cooperation or official assistance.
Examples in context
- 你可以幫手嗎？Can you help?
- 佢係我嘅大幫手。keoi5 hai6 ngo5 ge3 daai6 bong1 sau2.He is my great helper.
- 我需要一個幫手。ngo5 seoi1 jiu3 jat1 go3 bong1 sau2.I need a helper.
Example conversation
Two friends are cleaning a room together.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan俊傑，呢度太多嘢，我需要幫手。Jun3 Git3, nei1 dou6 tai3 do1 je5, ngo5 seoi1 jiu3 bong2 sau2.Jun Kit, there are too many things here, I need a helper.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit冇問題，我可以幫你。mou5 man6 tai4, ngo5 ho2 ji5 bong1 nei5.No problem, I can help you.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你真係個好幫手！nei5 zan1 hai6 go3 hou2 bong2 sau2!You are really a great helper!
- 俊傑 Chun Kit嘉欣，唔使客氣。Kaa1 Jan1, m4 sai2 haak1 hei3.Ka Yan, you're welcome.
