gun1 liu4官僚
Jyutpinggun1 liu4
Yalegūn lìuh
Definition
Bureaucrat; also used to describe civil servants bound by bureaucracy or red tape.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
While technically a noun referring to a bureaucrat, this term is far more frequently used as an adjective to describe an inefficient or rigid style of working. It carries a strong negative connotation of being detached from reality and obsessed with procedures. Using it to describe someone implies they are hiding behind rules to avoid taking responsibility.
Examples
They are very bureaucratic, always requiring us to fill out so many forms.
Why is this department so bureaucratic?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to any government official neutrally. It is a critical term, so applying it to someone you respect or a functional government body will sound like an insult.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
