ce2 sin3 gung1 zai2扯線公仔扯线公仔
Jyutpingce2 sin3 gung1 zai2
Yaleché sin gūng jái
Definition
Puppet; a string puppet, or a person or organization controlled by someone else.
- marionette; string puppet
- figurativepuppet; a person or organization controlled by others with no real power
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of mockery and contempt, highlighting a lack of agency or spine. It is frequently used in political commentary or office gossip to describe someone who is merely a figurehead for a more powerful entity. The imagery of being pulled by strings emphasizes that the person has no independent movement or will.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is just the boss's puppet and has no say at all.
If you don't want to be someone's puppet, you need to learn to think for yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
to act as a puppet
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a literal toy puppet, as the term is almost exclusively used as a metaphor for people or organizations. For a literal puppet, use 傀儡 or simply 公仔.
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.
