lou5 sai1老西
Jyutpinglou5 sai1
Yalelóuh sāi
Definition
A Western-style business suit, or a Westerner.
- slanga Western-style business suit
- slanga Westerner
colloquialclothing
How it's used
Originating from Cantonese slang that combines the word for old with the character for west, this term specifically refers to a Western style suit. It carries a slightly playful or informal tone, so it is best avoided in highly formal business settings or when speaking to a superior. While it can also refer to a Westerner, that usage has become significantly less common in modern speech compared to its primary meaning of formal attire.
Measure word
tou3套touExamples
Why are you wearing a suit today?
He always wears a suit to meet clients.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 西裝, which is the standard, neutral term for a suit. Using 老西 in a professional interview or a serious meeting may sound overly casual or even disrespectful depending on the context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
