daa2 gung1 wong4 dai3打工皇帝
Jyutpingdaa2 gung1 wong4 dai3
Yaledá gūng wòhng dai
Definition
A highly-paid employee or executive; literally "worker emperor".
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to high level corporate executives or professionals who command astronomical salaries, rather than just anyone with a good job. The term carries a slightly ironic tone, highlighting the paradox of being an employee who wields power and wealth comparable to a business owner. It is frequently used in financial news or when discussing the compensation packages of major company CEOs.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been a top-earning executive for many years.
Who is the most famous top-earning executive in Hong Kong?
Related words
Common phrases
a top-earning executive with an annual salary over one hundred million
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a regular employee who just happens to have a decent salary, as it is reserved for the elite tier of earners. Using it for an average worker sounds sarcastic or confusing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
