hung4 mun4 zi2 dai6洪門子弟洪门子弟
Jyutpinghung4 mun4 zi2 dai6
Yalehùhng mùhn jí daih
Definition
Originally a member of the Hung League secret society; figuratively used to refer to any triad member.
- historicala member of the Hung League secret society
- figurativea triad member; a gangster
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a strong historical and cinematic weight, often evoking imagery from classic Hong Kong martial arts films. While it technically refers to members of the historical secret society, it is now almost exclusively used in a derogatory or cautious manner to describe modern gang members. Using it in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or like a line from a period drama.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He was very naughty when he was young and often hung out with triad members.
This is the triad's territory, don't mess around here.
Related words
Common phrases
triad territory
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe someone who is simply a tough guy or a troublemaker, as it specifically implies an affiliation with organized crime groups. It is not a generic insult for someone who is aggressive.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
