caan3 zai2燦仔灿仔

Jyutpingcaan3 zai2

Yalechaan jái

Definition

New immigrant from mainland China to Hong Kong.

slangpeople

How it's used

Originating from the 1970s and 80s, this term carries a strong derogatory and xenophobic undertone. It was historically used to mock the perceived lack of sophistication or different cultural habits of new arrivals. Using this word is considered offensive and socially unacceptable in polite or neutral conversation.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日bei2畀jan4人siu3笑hai6係caan3燦zai2仔。

He is always being teased for being a new immigrant.

m4唔hou2好giu3叫jan4人caan3燦zai2仔aa4呀，hou2好mou2冇lai5禮maau6貌㗎。

Don't call people that, it's very rude.

Common phrases

siu3笑jan4人caan3燦zai2仔

to mock someone as a new immigrant

Common mistake

Learners should avoid using this term entirely, as it is a slur rather than a neutral descriptor. It is not a synonym for someone from the mainland, but specifically a label used to demean them.