hing1 toi4兄臺兄台
Jyutpinghing1 toi4
Yalehīng tòih
Definition
A polite, respectful term of address for a male peer or friend.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Carries a distinct archaic or literary flair that makes it sound like a line from a period drama. It is primarily used by men to address male peers in a playful, mock-formal, or slightly humorous way. Using it in a serious, modern business context would likely sound bizarre or sarcastic.
Examples
Brother, do you know where we can get a late-night snack?
Thanks for your help, brother, I really appreciate it.
Related words
Common phrases
may I ask you, brother
Common mistake
Avoid using this to address someone you do not know well or in a professional setting, as it can come across as overly dramatic or mocking. It is strictly reserved for friends or acquaintances where the tone is lighthearted.
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.
