lou5 paang4老棚

Jyutpinglou5 paang4

Yalelóuh pàahng

Definition

Friends, close associates, or buddies.

colloquialpeople

How it's used

Carries a strong sense of camaraderie built through shared history, often specifically within a professional or industry context. It implies a bond that has stood the test of time, distinguishing it from casual acquaintances. The term feels slightly masculine and is most commonly used by older generations to refer to long-term work buddies.

Examples

keoi5佢hai6係ngo5我ji5以cin4前zou6做je5嘢sik1識ge3嘅lou5老paang4棚lai2嚟㗎。

He is an old associate I met when I was working before.

gam1今maan5晚joek3約zo2咗gei2幾go3個lou5老paang4棚ceot1出lai4嚟sik6食faan6飯。

I've arranged to have dinner with a few old friends tonight.

Common phrases

jat1一baan1班lou5老paang4棚

a group of old associates

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 老友, which is a more general term for close friends. 老棚 specifically carries the nuance of being 'old hands' or veterans who have been in the same circle or trade for a long time.