laai1 laai1拉拉
Jyutpinglaai1 laai1
Yalelāai lāai
Definition
Lesbian.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originating from the English word lesbian, this term is widely understood in Hong Kong as a casual and informal label. It is generally used within the LGBTQ+ community or in friendly settings, but it can sound reductive or overly blunt if used by strangers or in formal contexts. Using it to label someone without their consent is often considered rude or intrusive.
Examples
The two of them are lesbians.
Common phrases
lesbian community
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional settings or when speaking to someone you do not know well, as it can be perceived as gossipy or disrespectful. It is strictly a colloquial label and should never appear in written documents or formal speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
