fu2 lik6苦力
Jyutpingfu2 lik6
Yalefú lihk
Definition
Coolie or physical laborer, historically a porter and now referring generally to low-income heavy manual labor.
- datedporter; heavy manual laborer
- any low-income job requiring strenuous physical labor
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Historically referring to manual laborers in the shipping or construction industries, this term now carries a derogatory or self-deprecating tone. It is frequently used to describe any job that is physically demanding and low-paying, emphasizing the lack of social status or professional growth. Using it to describe someone else's job can sound quite insulting or condescending.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He used to work as a manual laborer when he was young, it was very tough.
Don't you feel it's a waste to work as a laborer after finishing your studies?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe professional roles that involve physical activity, such as personal trainers or athletes, as it specifically highlights the lack of skill or low social standing associated with manual labor.
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.
