bei2 jan4 dan6畀人燉畀人炖
Jyutpingbei2 jan4 dan6
Yalebéi yàhn dahn
Definition
To be demoted.
colloquialwork
How it's used
Originating from the culinary process of double boiling, this term implies being moved to a less significant or 'colder' position where one is left to simmer without much activity. It carries a strong sense of being sidelined or pushed into a dead end role rather than just a simple change in rank. Use it specifically when someone is transferred to a department with little power or visibility.
Examples
He made a mistake, and as a result, he was demoted to a branch office.
Related words
Common phrases
to be demoted (specifically for police or civil servants)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 燉湯, which refers to the actual cooking method of double boiling soup. The metaphorical use is strictly for workplace demotions or being sidelined.
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.
