haai5蟹

Jyutpinghaai5

Yaleháaih

名詞Common

Definition

Crab; also refers to an investment that is locked up and cannot be liquidated.

crab, the crustacean and food item
figurativean investment that cannot be liquidated, or a person stuck in one

colloquialfoodmoney

How it's used

Beyond the literal crustacean, the term is frequently used in financial contexts to describe investors trapped in a losing position. When a stock price drops significantly below the purchase price, the investor is described as being a 蟹貨, meaning they are stuck and unable to sell without realizing a loss. This metaphorical usage is extremely common in Hong Kong stock market discussions.

Measure word

zek3隻jek

Examples

gam1今maan5晚ngo5我dei6哋heoi3去sik6食daai6大zaap6閘haai5蟹aa4呀。

Let's go eat hairy crabs tonight.

le1呢zek3隻haai5蟹hou2好ci5似hou2好daai6大zek3隻wo5喎。

This crab looks really big.

Related words

see alsohoi2 sin1海鮮hói sīnsee alsohaa1蝦hā

Common phrases

daai6大zaap6閘haai5蟹

hairy crab

haai5蟹fo3貨

trapped stock investment

haai5蟹juk6肉

crab meat

Common mistake

Do not confuse the literal animal with the metaphorical usage in finance, as the context is usually clear but can be confusing for beginners. Also, remember that the verb for eating crab is usually expressed with 食 rather than 飲, even though it is a seafood delicacy.