daai6 hyun1 zai2大圈仔
Definition
Mainland Chinese criminals or gangsters who come to Hong Kong to commit crimes, particularly armed robbery.
How it's used
Originating from the 1970s and 80s, this term specifically refers to criminals who crossed the border from the mainland to commit violent crimes in Hong Kong. The term 大圈 refers to Guangzhou, as the city was historically represented by a large circle on maps used by those planning their journey. While it carries a strong historical weight, it is now primarily used in crime reporting or when discussing the city's past social landscape.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe all mainlanders, as it is a highly specific label for criminals and carries a derogatory, xenophobic connotation. Using it indiscriminately can be offensive and inflammatory.
Grammar color guide
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.
