gong1 wu4 dou6 ji6江湖道義江湖道义
Jyutpinggong1 wu4 dou6 ji6
Yalegōng wùh douh yih
Definition
The code of ethics of the underworld or the triad code of honor.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a heavy sense of loyalty and mutual obligation that transcends formal law. While it originates from criminal subcultures, it is sometimes used metaphorically in business or social circles to describe someone who values personal integrity and keeping promises over cold logic or profit. It implies a rigid, unwritten set of rules that people in a specific circle are expected to follow.
Examples
He is a man of his word in the underworld, he would never betray his brothers.
You don't even have the basic code of honor, how are you going to survive in this business?
Related words
Common phrases
to uphold the code of honor
to lack a sense of honor
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe standard professional ethics or legal compliance, as it specifically refers to a subcultural, often illicit, code of conduct. Using it in a formal office setting can sound overly dramatic or imply that the situation involves shady dealings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
