juk6 sam1肉參肉参
Jyutpingjuk6 sam1
Yaleyuhk sām
Definition
Hostage; a person who has been kidnapped.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originating from underworld slang, this term treats the victim as a piece of meat or a commodity to be traded for ransom. It carries a much more visceral and criminal connotation than the formal term 人質. You will frequently hear it in Hong Kong crime dramas or news reports covering kidnapping cases.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The kidnappers took the hostage to an abandoned house.
How can the police save the hostage?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or polite contexts, as it sounds like you are speaking the jargon of criminals. Use 人質 when you need a neutral or professional term for a hostage situation.
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.
