baak6 bei6 go1白鼻哥
Definition
An opera character with a white nose, typically playing a villain, a clown, or a fool.
- a villain character in Cantonese opera and other theatrical genres
- a clown character in an opera troupe
- a person who has a white nose
How it's used
Beyond the specific theatrical makeup, this term is frequently used as a derogatory label for someone who acts foolishly or plays the role of a buffoon. It carries a sense of mockery, implying that the person is not to be taken seriously or is intentionally making a fool of themselves. While rooted in traditional opera, its modern application is broad enough to describe anyone behaving in a ridiculous or overly dramatic manner.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a white nose due to makeup or skin conditions; the term is heavily loaded with the cultural baggage of the clown or villain archetype in Chinese opera. Using it to describe a person's physical appearance literally without the context of their behavior can be confusing or unintentionally offensive.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
