maai6 siu3賣笑卖笑
Jyutpingmaai6 siu3
Yalemaaih siu
Definition
To work as a prostitute; to sell sex for money.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of moral judgment and social stigma, literally translating to selling smiles. It is rarely used in a neutral or professional context, as it emphasizes the degradation of the individual rather than the profession itself. You will mostly encounter it in dramatic storytelling, gossip, or when someone is expressing deep disdain for the industry.
Examples
She was forced into prostitution to make a living.
Why are you so foolish to work as a prostitute?
Related words
Common phrases
to fall into prostitution
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in any formal or professional setting, as it is highly offensive and derogatory. It is not a clinical or descriptive term for sex work, but rather a judgmental label used to shame the person involved.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
