lou5 san4 zi2老臣子
Jyutpinglou5 san4 zi2
Yalelóuh sàhn jí
Definition
A senior or long-serving staff member.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Originally referring to a high-ranking official serving a monarch for a long time, the term now carries a slightly ironic or cynical tone in a corporate setting. It implies that the person has been around for so long that they might be resistant to change or protected by their tenure. It is rarely used to describe someone in a positive, purely professional sense without hinting at their long-standing influence or baggage.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is a senior staff member at the company, who would dare to touch him?
Many of the senior staff members here are preparing to retire.
Related words
Common phrases
company veteran
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe any experienced worker, as it specifically implies a long history with a single organization. Calling a new hire or someone who changes jobs frequently a老臣子 is incorrect and sounds unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
