caau2 gaa1炒家
Jyutpingcaau2 gaa1
Yalecháau gā
Definition
Speculator; a person who engages in speculation and scalping.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Focuses specifically on people who buy assets with the intention of selling them quickly for a profit, rather than holding them for long-term investment. It carries a slightly negative or cautious connotation, implying that the person is chasing short-term gains in volatile markets like real estate or stocks. The term is derived from the verb 炒, which describes the act of flipping goods or assets for a quick return.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The property market is so volatile lately that many speculators are rushing to sell off their assets.
Are you trying to be a speculator? Trading like that carries a lot of risk.
Related words
Common phrases
property market speculator
stock market speculator
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a long-term investor, as 炒家 implies a high-frequency, opportunistic approach. Using it to describe someone who saves money or invests prudently would be incorrect and potentially insulting.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
