bou6 faai3捕快
Jyutpingbou6 faai3
Yalebouh faai
Definition
Constable, detective, or police officer in ancient China.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to law enforcement officers in pre-modern Chinese society, often depicted in historical dramas as low-ranking officials who handle investigations and arrests. Unlike modern police, they were often viewed with a mix of fear and disdain because they were associated with the harsh punishments of local magistrates. It is strictly a historical term and should never be used to describe contemporary law enforcement.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He plays a cop in the period drama.
Related words
Common phrases
to serve as a cop
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to refer to modern police officers, which sounds extremely bizarre or comical to native speakers. Use 警察 for modern police instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
