hong4 kwai1行規行规
Jyutpinghong4 kwai1
Yalehòhng kwāi
Definition
Guild regulations; a set of rules and practices observed within a trade or profession.
colloquialwork
How it's used
Refers specifically to unwritten or tacit agreements within a professional community rather than formal legal codes. It often implies a sense of professional ethics or customary practices that insiders are expected to follow to maintain order or fairness. Using this term suggests you are speaking from the perspective of an industry insider.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
There is a set of trade rules in this industry; you cannot just haggle.
You haven't been in the industry long enough, so it's normal not to know the trade rules.
Related words
Common phrases
against trade customs
standard industry practices
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 規矩, which is a general term for rules or etiquette. While 規矩 can apply to anything from household manners to school policies, 行規 is strictly reserved for professional or trade-specific standards.
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.
