gu1 lei1咕喱

Jyutpinggu1 lei1

Yalegū lēi

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Coolie or manual laborer.

datedcoolie; porter; docker; manual laborer
figurativeany low-income job that requires heavy manual labor

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

Originally referring to manual labourers at docks or construction sites, the term now carries a slightly derogatory or self-deprecating tone. It is often used to describe any job that is physically demanding and low-paying, rather than just the historical profession. Using this term to describe someone's current job can sound dismissive or insensitive.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢ji5以cin4前zou6做gu1咕lei1喱bun1搬fo3貨，hou2好san1辛fu2苦㗎。

He used to work as a coolie moving goods, it was very tough.

nei5你m4唔hou2好tai2睇siu2小zou6做gu1咕lei1喱go2嗰di1啲jan4人，keoi5佢dei6哋dou1都hai6係kaau3靠lou4勞lik6力wan2搵sik6食。

Don't look down on manual labourers, they are just earning a living through physical work.

Common phrases

zou6做gu1咕lei1喱

to work as a manual labourer

Common mistake

Avoid using this term in a professional or formal setting, as it is considered outdated and potentially offensive. It is strictly a colloquial term for informal conversation.