gwok3 si1國師国师
Jyutpinggwok3 si1
Yalegwok sī
Definition
An honorary imperial title for religious figures, or an unofficial national advisor.
- archaicstate preceptor; an honorary title granted by emperors to religious figures
- national advisor; key strategist or policy consultant to the government
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originally a formal title for high ranking religious figures in imperial courts, the term has evolved into a sarcastic label in modern Hong Kong. It is frequently used to mock self proclaimed pundits or internet commentators who offer unsolicited, grandiose advice on political or social issues. Calling someone a 國師 often implies that their opinions are pretentious or detached from reality.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He always acts like a national advisor, telling people how to live their lives.
Who appointed him as a national advisor? It is truly laughable.
Related words
Common phrases
self-proclaimed national advisor
Common mistake
Do not use this term to refer to actual government advisors or consultants, as it carries a strong ironic or mocking tone in contemporary speech. It is almost exclusively used to belittle someone who acts like an expert without official standing.
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
