bei3 lou1秘撈秘捞
Jyutpingbei3 lou1
Yalebei lōu
Definition
To work a second job secretly without telling one's primary employer.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
Implies a sense of secrecy or conflict of interest, as it often involves taking on work that violates an employment contract. It is frequently used in contexts where someone needs extra income to cover high living costs in Hong Kong. The term carries a slightly illicit or 'under the table' connotation compared to simply having a part-time job.
Examples
His salary isn't enough to live on, so he goes moonlighting at night.
Are you thinking of finding a side hustle?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a standard part-time job, which is simply 兼職. Using 秘撈 implies that the primary employer would disapprove or that the work is being done covertly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
