dong1 gun1當官当官
Jyutpingdong1 gun1
Yaledōng gūn
Definition
To serve as an official or work in the government sector.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This term carries a slightly old-fashioned or cynical nuance compared to modern terms like 公務員. It often implies a sense of authority or bureaucracy, and is frequently used in casual conversation to describe someone who has entered the political or administrative sphere. It is rarely used in formal professional settings where specific job titles are preferred.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 公務員, which is the neutral, standard term for a civil servant. Using 當官 can sound like you are making a judgment about the person's power or status rather than simply stating their profession.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
