hok6 si1 zai2學師仔学师仔
Jyutpinghok6 si1 zai2
Yalehohk sī jái
Definition
An apprentice, intern, or trainee undergoing on-the-job training.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly informal tone and is typically used in traditional trade or manual labor settings like construction, carpentry, or auto repair. It emphasizes the hands-on, observational nature of learning a craft directly from a master rather than formal academic training. While it can be used neutrally, it sometimes implies a lower status or lack of experience compared to a fully qualified worker.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He hasn't been an apprentice for long, so there's still a lot he doesn't know.
Has the apprentice you hired started work yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for office interns or university students on placement, as those are usually referred to as 實習生. Using this term for a white-collar role might sound condescending or outdated.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
