hak1 dai2黑底
Jyutpinghak1 dai2
Yalehāk dái
Definition
Criminal record, or a background/affiliation with the underworld.
- criminal record
- slangtriad or underworld background
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from triad slang, this term implies a connection to the underworld or a history of criminal activity. While it is widely understood, it carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in gossip or when discussing someone's background in a serious, cautionary tone. It is significantly more informal and evocative than the standard term 案底.
Examples
He has a criminal record, so many companies won't hire him.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a criminal record
to clear one's criminal record
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of a black background or base, as the context of the sentence will almost always indicate whether it refers to a criminal history or a physical object.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
