bou6 man4暴民
Jyutpingbou6 man4
Yalebouh màhn
Definition
Mob, rioters, or people who disrupt civil society through violent means.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in political or news contexts to delegitimize protesters by framing them as violent lawbreakers. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless someone is specifically discussing civil unrest or intense public disorder. Unlike neutral terms for crowds, it explicitly implies criminal intent and social disruption.
Measure word
baan1班bānExamples
That group of rioters is causing destruction all over the street.
Do you think they are protesters or rioters?
Related words
Common phrases
mob rule
Common mistake
Learners should avoid using this word to describe any large, noisy, or enthusiastic crowd, as it specifically denotes violence and lawlessness. Using it to describe a peaceful protest will sound highly politically charged and aggressive.
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.
