aa3 caan3阿燦啊灿
Jyutpingaa3 caan3
Yalea chaan
Definition
Derogatory term for a new immigrant from mainland China to Hong Kong who is perceived as rustic or naive.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originating from a 1979 television character, this term has evolved into a derogatory label for people perceived as unsophisticated or unfamiliar with Hong Kong urban culture. Using it is widely considered offensive and xenophobic, reflecting historical tensions rather than a neutral description of origin. It is best avoided entirely in polite conversation as it carries a strong tone of social superiority.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He always calls people 'Ah Chan', it is really rude.
Don't call people 'Ah Chan' anymore, it's very disrespectful.
Common phrases
to call someone an Ah Chan
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral term for immigrants, but it is a slur. Using it to describe someone will likely cause immediate offense or conflict.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
