gaa1 faat3家法
Definition
Family or clan rules, including the punishments they dictate, or the code and punishments of a triad.
- rules of a house or clan, or the punishments dictated by them
- slangthe rules and corresponding punishments within a triad or gang
How it's used
Originally referring to the internal disciplinary codes of a traditional Chinese family or clan, the term has evolved to carry a heavy, often intimidating connotation. In modern usage, it is almost exclusively associated with criminal organizations or triads, implying a brutal, non-judicial form of justice. Using it in a normal household context sounds overly dramatic or archaic, unless one is making a humorous exaggeration about strict parenting.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general house rules like 規矩, which are usually mundane instructions for chores or behavior. 家法 specifically implies a formal, often physical, punishment for breaking a serious code.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
