daai6 gai6大偈
Definition
A chief engineer of a vessel, or an engineer or mechanic at a construction site.
- chief engineer of a vessel; chief mate
- engineer or mechanic at a construction site
How it's used
Originally referring to the chief engineer on a ship, this term has been widely adopted in Hong Kong to describe any skilled mechanic or technician, particularly those working on heavy machinery or construction sites. It carries a sense of respect for someone who possesses deep technical knowledge and can solve complex mechanical problems. You will often hear it used in casual workplace settings when someone needs professional help with equipment.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 師傅, which is a general term for any skilled master or tradesperson. While a mechanic can be called 師傅, using 大偈 specifically highlights their role as a lead technician or someone with specialized engineering expertise.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
