daa2 zai2打仔
Jyutpingdaa2 zai2
Yaledá jái
Definition
A hired fighter, bouncer, or action movie actor.
- a man hired to fight or provide physical protection; a bouncer or thug
- an action movie actor; martial arts actor
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to hired thugs or enforcers, the term has evolved to describe anyone whose physical presence or fighting ability is their primary asset. It is frequently used in the context of Hong Kong action cinema to describe actors who perform their own stunts or specialize in martial arts roles. While it implies a certain toughness, it does not necessarily carry a negative connotation in a professional or film-related context.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He used to be a bodyguard, his moves are very agile.
There are a few bouncers standing at the bar entrance watching over the place.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 打仔 as a verb phrase meaning to beat up one's son, which is a literal construction of the two characters. The context of the sentence will usually make it clear whether it refers to a person or an action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
