cung1傭佣
Jyutpingcung1
Yalechūng
Definition
An employee, particularly a domestic helper or housemaid.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone noun. In modern Hong Kong, it is most frequently encountered in the context of domestic work, such as 外傭 for foreign domestic helpers or 傭工 for general domestic staff. It carries a formal or administrative tone compared to the more common colloquial term 工人.
Examples
They hired a foreign domestic helper to help out at home.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word as a standalone noun to refer to a person in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. Use 工人 or the specific role instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
