gong3 zik1降職降职
Jyutpinggong3 zik1
Yalegong jīk
Definition
To demote (to a lower rank)
neutralwork
How it's used
This term is formal and carries a serious, negative tone, typically used in professional or organizational contexts. It is almost always used in the passive voice with 畀, indicating that the demotion is something happening to the person rather than an action they initiate.
Examples
keoi5 jan1 wai6 zou6 co3 je5 bei3 lou5 sai3 gong3 zik1 laa3
佢因為做錯嘢，畀老細降職喇。
He was demoted by the boss because he made a mistake.
nei5 geng1 m4 geng1 bei3 gung1 si1 gong3 zik1 aa4
你驚唔驚畀公司降職呀？
Are you worried about being demoted by the company?
Related words
Common phrases
bei2 jan4 gong3 zik1
畀人降職
to be demoted
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 減薪, which specifically refers to a salary cut. While a demotion often results in a salary cut, the two terms are not interchangeable.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
