hei3 zi2 lou2戲子佬戏子佬
Jyutpinghei3 zi2 lou2
Yalehei jí lóu
Definition
Male Chinese opera actor.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Historically, this term carries a derogatory or dismissive connotation, reflecting the low social status once assigned to performers in traditional society. While it literally refers to male opera actors, it is rarely used in a respectful or professional context today. Use it with caution, as it can sound like an insult or a way to belittle someone's profession.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In the past, people often looked down on male Chinese opera actors.
Related words
Common phrases
to watch a male opera actor perform
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe modern actors or performers in film and television, as it specifically evokes the traditional stage and carries an outdated, negative bias.
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.
