go1 gei3哥記哥记
Jyutpinggo1 gei3
Yalegō gei
Definition
An informal way to address an unfamiliar male peer; buddy, bro, or dude.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term is a casual, slightly streetwise way to address a male stranger, often used in service settings or when asking for directions. It carries a friendly but informal tone, similar to calling someone "mate" or "bro" in English. It is most effective when you want to sound approachable and local rather than overly polite or distant.
Examples
Bro, how do I get to the MTR station from here?
Excuse me, dude, did you drop your wallet?
Related words
Common phrases
Excuse me, bro
Common mistake
Avoid using this with people significantly older than you, as it can sound overly familiar or even slightly disrespectful. It is best reserved for men who appear to be roughly your age or younger.
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.
