baak6 fan2白粉
Jyutpingbaak6 fan2
Yalebaahk fán
Definition
Face powder, or heroin.
- slangheroin
- face powder; cosmetic powder
colloquialbodyother
How it's used
Context is everything when using this term because it carries two completely unrelated meanings. In a beauty or grooming setting, it refers to cosmetic powder, but in a criminal or social context, it is a common street name for heroin. Listeners will almost always distinguish the meaning based on whether the speaker is discussing makeup or illegal substances.
Examples
Do you know where someone is selling heroin?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in a beauty store or when talking to a makeup artist, as the association with illegal drugs is strong enough to cause confusion or awkwardness. Use 碎粉 or 粉餅 instead when referring to cosmetics to be safe.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
