dei6 tau4 se4地頭蛇地头蛇
Jyutpingdei6 tau4 se4
Yaledeih tàuh sèh
Definition
A local who has extensive knowledge of an area and its people and affairs.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
This term carries a slightly nuanced connotation of someone who holds sway or influence in a specific neighborhood, rather than just someone who happens to live there. While it can be used neutrally to describe a helpful local, it sometimes implies a person who might use their local connections to exert control or get special treatment. It is rarely used to describe oneself unless one is being playful about their deep familiarity with a district.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has lived in this district for decades and is a true local expert.
Related words
Common phrases
to act as the local expert
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe a simple tourist guide or someone who just happens to be from a place, as it specifically emphasizes deep, long-term local connections and influence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
