laap6 saap3 lou2垃圾佬

Jyutpinglaap6 saap3 lou2

Yalelaahp saap lóu

Definition

A garbage collector, street sweeper, or scavenger.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

The suffix 佬 is a common way to refer to men in specific occupations or roles, often carrying a casual or slightly rough tone. While it can be used neutrally to describe a profession, it can sometimes sound dismissive depending on the speaker's attitude. It is more respectful to use 清潔工人 if you want to be polite or formal in a professional setting.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

go2嗰go3個laap6垃saap3圾lou2佬mui5每jat6日ziu1朝zou2早dou1都lai4嚟sau1收laap6垃saap3圾。

That street cleaner comes to collect the trash every morning.

nei5你gin3見m4唔gin3見dou3到lau4樓haa6下go3個laap6垃saap3圾lou2佬aa4呀？

Have you seen the street cleaner downstairs?

Common phrases

sau1收laap6垃saap3圾

collect trash

sou3掃gaai1街

sweep the street

Common mistake

Avoid using this term in formal or professional contexts as it can be perceived as derogatory or belittling due to the suffix 佬. Always prefer 清潔工人 when speaking to or about someone in a respectful manner.