lou1 gaa1 zai2撈家仔捞家仔
Definition
Someone who makes a living from dishonest, shady, or improper means rather than a proper job.
How it's used
Refers specifically to individuals involved in illicit activities or living on the fringes of society, often implying a lack of legitimate employment. While it carries a negative connotation, it is frequently used in casual conversation to describe someone who looks or acts like a street-level hustler or gangster. It is distinct from simply being unemployed, as it implies active involvement in shady or illegal business.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 撈家, which can sometimes refer to a successful businessman or a person who is very good at navigating social circles to get ahead. Adding the suffix 仔 specifically shifts the meaning toward someone of lower status or questionable character.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
