daai6 lou5大老
Jyutpingdaai6 lou5
Yaledaaih lóuh
Definition
Eldest brother, or a boss or influential figure.
- eldest brother
- boss; leader; big shot
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of an eldest brother, this term is frequently used as a respectful or slightly ironic way to address someone in charge or a senior peer. It carries a sense of streetwise authority or seniority that differs from the more formal or neutral terms for older brother. In casual settings, it can also be used as an exclamation of frustration or surprise, similar to saying 'Oh man' or 'Hey, come on'.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is my big brother, ask him for help if anything happens.
Related words
Common phrases
the big boss
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 老大, which is more common in Mandarin and often carries a stronger connotation of a gang leader or criminal boss. While 大老 can imply someone in charge, it is much more flexible and commonly used in everyday social or family contexts in Hong Kong.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
