bou6 gwan1暴君
Jyutpingbou6 gwan1
Yalebouh gwān
Definition
A tyrant; an autocratic and cruel ruler.
neutralpeople
How it's used
While historically used for monarchs, this term is frequently applied metaphorically to bosses, parents, or teachers who exercise absolute, unreasonable control. It carries a strong negative connotation of being both oppressive and cruel, rather than just strict. Using it to describe someone implies they are not open to any feedback or discussion.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is so overbearing all the time, he is basically a tyrant.
Who would want to be a tyrant to rule this place?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 霸道, which describes an overbearing attitude or behavior, whereas 暴君 refers specifically to the person holding the power.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
