hok6 baa3學霸学霸
Jyutpinghok6 baa3
Yalehohk ba
Definition
An exceptionally top-performing student; a straight-A student.
colloquialschoolpeople
How it's used
This term carries a slightly informal and sometimes playful tone, often used to describe someone who excels academically without necessarily appearing to study hard. It is a modern loanword from Mandarin that has been fully integrated into Hong Kong youth slang. While it implies high intelligence, it can occasionally be used sarcastically if someone is showing off their grades.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is usually very low-key; I never expected him to be a top student.
Who is the top student in the class?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 讀書蟲, which implies a bookworm who studies excessively and lacks social skills. A 学霸 can be socially active and well-rounded, whereas 讀書蟲 focuses specifically on the act of constant reading or studying.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
