faa1 jiu1花腰
Jyutpingfaa1 jiu1
Yalefā yīu
Definition
An everyday police constable.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This term is a classic piece of Hong Kong slang that carries a slightly informal or old-school vibe. While it is widely understood as a reference to police officers, it is not used in official or formal communication. Using it in front of an actual officer might be perceived as disrespectful or provocative depending on the tone.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There are a few police constables patrolling over there.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with formal terms like 警察 or 阿Sir. Using this in a professional or serious setting will sound highly inappropriate or mocking.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
