gaa1 gei1 laang5家基冷

Jyutpinggaa1 gei1 laang5

Yalegā gēi láahng

Definition

One of our own; a fellow compatriot, originally a Teochew loanword used to affirm solidarity.

colloquialpeople

How it's used

Originating from the Teochew dialect, this term is used to signal a strong sense of shared identity or regional brotherhood. It functions as a warmer, more culturally specific alternative to 自己人 when speaking with people who share a Teochew background. Using it effectively requires a sense of camaraderie, as it implies a bond that goes beyond mere acquaintance.

Examples

keoi5佢hai6係zi6自gei2己jan4人，daai6大gaa1家gaa6家gi6基laang1冷lai2嚟㗎。

He is one of us, we are all family.

nei5你fong3放sam1心laa1啦，ngo5我dei6哋cyun4全bou6部dou1都hai6係gaa6家gi6基laang1冷。

Don't worry, we are all on the same side.

Common phrases

ciu4潮zau1州gaa6家gi6基laang1冷

Teochew people

Common mistake

Avoid using this term with people who do not have a Teochew connection, as it may sound confusing or overly performative. It is a specific cultural marker rather than a generic slang term for friend.