biu1 guk6鏢局镖局
Jyutpingbiu1 guk6
Yalebīu guhk
Definition
An ancient private security agency that protected and escorted valuable goods for a fee.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a historical institution found in pre-modern China, functioning as a private armed escort service for merchants. It is almost exclusively encountered in the context of period dramas, novels, or historical discussions rather than modern business. The term carries a strong association with martial arts culture, as the guards were typically skilled fighters.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
In the past, security firms specialized in transporting valuables for people.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern security companies or bodyguards, as the term is strictly historical. Using it to describe a contemporary armored car service or a private security firm today will sound archaic or humorous.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
