caau2 gang1炒更

Jyutpingcaau2 gang1

Yalecháau gāng

Definition

To work a second job or do freelance work in one's spare time to earn extra money.

colloquialworkmoney

How it's used

Originally derived from the restaurant industry where staff would take on extra shifts at different venues, this term now applies to any secondary income stream outside of one's primary employment. It carries a sense of hustle and financial necessity rather than just pursuing a hobby. You will often hear it used when someone is working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Examples

keoi5佢fan2份loeng4糧m4唔gau3夠sai2使，fong3放gung1工jiu3要heoi3去caau2炒gaang1更。

His salary isn't enough, he has to moonlight after work.

nei5你zeoi3最gan6近hai6係mai6咪mong4忙gan2緊heoi3去caau2炒gaang1更aa4呀？

Have you been busy moonlighting lately?

Common phrases

ceot1出heoi3去caau2炒gaang1更

go out to moonlight

caau2炒gaang1更zaan6賺cin2錢

moonlight to earn extra money

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply working overtime at your main job, which is usually referred to as 加班. 炒更 specifically implies working for a different employer or taking on a distinct side gig.