hak1 gung1黑工
Jyutpinghak1 gung1
Yalehāk gūng
Definition
An illegal worker; an undocumented laborer.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to individuals working without a valid work visa or permit in Hong Kong. It carries a strong negative connotation due to the legal implications and the common association with exploitation in the labor market. The term is frequently used in news reports and by authorities when discussing immigration enforcement.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He was caught working illegally at a restaurant.
Why are there illegal workers here?
Related words
Common phrases
to hire illegal workers
to crack down on illegal workers
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with casual part-time work or under-the-table jobs that are legal for residents. It specifically implies a violation of immigration or labor laws.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
