gong1 wu4 daai6 lou2江湖大佬
Jyutpinggong1 wu4 daai6 lou2
Yalegōng wùh daaih lóu
Definition
A triad boss or gang leader.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong cinematic flair, often evoking the romanticized or gritty imagery found in Hong Kong crime films. While it literally refers to a high-ranking member of a triad, it is sometimes used jokingly or sarcastically to describe someone who acts like a boss or wields significant influence in a specific social circle. It is distinct from the more clinical or legalistic terms used by the police to describe gang hierarchy.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He used to be a triad leader, but he is retired now.
Related words
Common phrases
triad leader level
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional or formal settings, as it is strictly associated with criminal subculture and can sound overly dramatic or disrespectful if used to describe a legitimate business leader.
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.
