biu2 suk1表叔
Definition
One's father's younger male cousin; historically used in Hong Kong to refer to a male official from mainland China.
- one's father's younger male cousin on the maternal side
- dateda man from mainland China, especially a government official, working in Hong Kong
How it's used
Originally a kinship term for a father's male cousin, this word evolved into a politically charged label for mainland Chinese officials or workers in Hong Kong. It carries a distinct nuance of social distance or mild skepticism, reflecting historical tensions regarding cross-border migration and professional competition. Using it to refer to a stranger from the mainland can be perceived as impolite or derogatory depending on the context.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this term to address a stranger directly, as it is often used behind someone's back to label them based on their origin. It is not a neutral way to refer to someone from the mainland.
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.
