gwaai2 zi2 lou2拐子佬
Jyutpinggwaai2 zi2 lou2
Yalegwáai jí lóu
Definition
Kidnapper or child abductor.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of fear and is often used by parents or teachers to warn children about the dangers of talking to strangers. It specifically refers to someone who abducts children, rather than a general criminal or kidnapper of adults. The term is deeply ingrained in local culture as a cautionary figure used to keep children alert.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Kids, do not talk to strangers randomly, watch out for kidnappers.
teng1聽gong2講fu6附gan6近jau5有gwaai2拐zi2子lou2佬ceot1出mut6沒，nei5你fong3放hok6學jiu3要faai3快di1啲faan1返uk1屋kei2企。
I heard there are kidnappers in the area, hurry home after school.
Related words
Common phrases
beware of kidnappers
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a kidnapper of adults, as it is strictly reserved for those who target children. Using it for other types of abduction will sound confusing or incorrect to native speakers.
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.
