bak1 lou2北佬
Jyutpingbak1 lou2
Yalebāk lóu
Definition
A northerner; a person from Northern China or mainland China.
- slanga northerner; a person from Northern China
- slanga person from mainland China
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term is frequently used to refer to men from mainland China, but it carries a strong derogatory or dismissive undertone. It is often associated with cultural stereotypes regarding behavior or social etiquette in Hong Kong. Using it in professional or formal settings is highly inappropriate and can be perceived as offensive.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He always calls himself a northerner, he speaks very loudly.
Don't call people 'northerner', it's very rude.
Related words
Common phrases
northern accent
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral geographical descriptor, but it is rarely used that way. It is best to avoid using it entirely unless you are specifically quoting someone else or analyzing the term's negative social connotations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
