aa3 jat1阿一
Jyutpingaa3 jat1
Yalea yāt
Definition
The top boss; the person in charge.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Used primarily in workplace settings to refer to the person in charge or the highest authority. It carries a slightly informal yet respectful tone, often used by employees when discussing management among themselves. It is rarely used to address the person directly, functioning instead as a third-person reference.
Examples
We need to ask the boss before deciding on this matter.
The boss isn't in today, let's talk about it tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the famous restaurant brand or the specific term for a top-tier abalone dish. It is strictly a colloquial reference to a person in power, not a title for food or a formal job position.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
