hei3 zai2戲仔戏仔
Jyutpinghei3 zai2
Yalehei jái
Definition
An actor or actress; a professional theatrical performer.
datedpeople
How it's used
This term carries a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone, as the suffix 仔 often implies someone of lower status or lack of seriousness. While it refers to actors, it is rarely used in professional or respectful contexts today. Modern speakers prefer the more neutral 演員 or the English loanword 明星.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He really wanted to be an actor when he was young.
Related words
Common phrases
to be an actor
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional settings or when speaking to someone about their career, as it can sound belittling or old fashioned.
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.
