lou5 zung2老總老总
Jyutpinglou5 zung2
Yalelóuh júng
Definition
An informal term for a boss, supervisor, or chief editor.
- boss; supervisor; executive
- chief editor
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Originally a term for a high ranking military officer or a chief editor at a newspaper, it has evolved into a casual way to refer to a boss or supervisor. It carries a slightly playful or cynical tone compared to the more neutral 老闆 or 經理. Using it implies a level of familiarity or workplace camaraderie, so it is best avoided when addressing someone in a very formal or hierarchical setting.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Has the boss arrived at the office this morning?
Be sharp with your work, the boss is watching.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term to address a boss directly in a formal meeting, as it can sound overly casual or even disrespectful depending on the tone. It is primarily used when talking about the boss behind their back or in a relaxed office environment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
