daai6 lou5 gun1大老倌
Definition
An established star or lead actor in Cantonese opera.
How it's used
Originally referring to the lead actor in a Cantonese opera troupe, this term has evolved to describe anyone who is a prominent, highly respected, or 'big shot' figure in a particular field. It carries a sense of seniority and seasoned expertise, often implying that the person is a master of their craft. While it remains rooted in the context of traditional performance, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe a veteran professional who commands significant authority.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 老闆, which means boss. While both imply status, 大老倌 specifically highlights artistic mastery or celebrity status within a performance context, whereas 老闆 focuses on ownership or management roles.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
