gung1 san4功臣
Jyutpinggung1 san4
Yalegūng sàhn
Definition
A key contributor who has rendered meritorious service to an organization, leader, or boss.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Often carries a slightly dramatic or historical weight, implying that the person's contribution was pivotal during the early or most difficult stages of an organization. While it can be used sincerely to praise someone, it is frequently used in professional or political contexts to highlight loyalty and long-term value. Using it for minor tasks can sound sarcastic or overly grandiose.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
He is a founding contributor to the company and holds a very high position.
Without the help of this key contributor, how could we have managed to get it done?
Related words
Common phrases
founding contributor
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with generic terms for employees like 員工. It specifically emphasizes a high level of achievement or a decisive role in success, so it is not appropriate for everyday tasks.
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.
