bong6 jau2傍友
Jyutpingbong6 jau2
Yalebohng yáu
Definition
A hanger-on, sycophant, or sidekick who constantly follows around a boss, rich, powerful, or famous person.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person lacks independence or is merely using their connection for personal gain. It is specifically used for someone who attaches themselves to a person of status or wealth, rather than just a regular friend. The word highlights a parasitic dynamic where the follower sacrifices their own dignity to stay in the shadow of the powerful.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He's always tagging along with the big boss, hoping to get some perks.
Don't be one of those sycophants, you've lost your own personality.
Related words
Common phrases
to act as a hanger-on
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 朋友, which simply means friend. Using 傍友 to describe a normal friend is highly offensive as it implies they are a bootlicker or a hanger-on.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
