hak1 sai3 lik6黑勢力黑势力
Jyutpinghak1 sai3 lik6
Yalehāk sai lihk
Definition
Influence or forces associated with organized crime, gangs, or triads.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the organized, often criminal, influence exerted by triads or gangs in a community. It is a more abstract or collective term than simply calling someone a gangster, as it emphasizes the pervasive and intimidating nature of their presence. It is frequently used in news reports or serious discussions regarding crime and social order.
Examples
The public order in this area is terrible, triad forces are always causing trouble.
Why on earth did you get involved with those triad elements?
Related words
Common phrases
crack down on triad forces
triad infiltration
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general bad behavior or bullying, as it specifically carries the weight of organized criminal involvement. Using it to describe a rowdy group of teenagers without criminal connections will sound overly dramatic or inaccurate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
