jan4 maa5人馬人马
Jyutpingjan4 maa5
Yaleyàhn máh
Definition
Troops or forces; a team of people working together.
- troops; forces; soldiers and horses
- a team or group of people working together on a task
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to soldiers and horses in a military context, this term is now frequently used to describe any group of people working together on a specific project or task. It carries a sense of collective effort or a mobilized team, often implying that the group is substantial enough to handle a significant job. Using it adds a slightly more dynamic and energetic tone compared to simply saying 班人.
Measure word
deoi2隊déuiExamples
How many people have you rounded up to help with the event this time?
Their whole group has already gone to eat.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to a small group of friends hanging out casually, as it implies a sense of purpose or a specific mission. It is better suited for teams, crews, or organized groups working toward a common goal.
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.
