laau1 sung1撈松捞松
Jyutpinglaau1 sung1
Yalelāau sūng
Definition
Derogatory term used by Cantonese speakers to refer to mainland Chinese people, especially Northerners.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Historically, this term was used by Cantonese speakers to refer to people from Northern China, often implying they were outsiders who did not speak the local language. It carries a strong colloquial and sometimes derogatory undertone, reflecting regional tensions from the mid 20th century. Nowadays, it is considered outdated and potentially offensive, so it is best avoided in polite or formal conversation.
Examples
He is a Northerner; he has a bit of an accent when he speaks.
How did you get to know a Northerner friend?
Related words
Common phrases
Northern accent
Common mistake
Using this term in a professional or public setting can be perceived as xenophobic or discriminatory. It is not a neutral way to describe someone from the North and should be avoided to prevent causing offense.
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.
