maan6 nang4 lou5 gun1萬能老倌万能老倌
Jyutpingmaan6 nang4 lou5 gun1
Yalemaahn nàhng lóuh gūn
Definition
An actor who can play any role; a versatile person or all-rounder who is skilled in many areas.
- an actor who can play many different kinds of roles
- figurativean all-rounder, versatile person, or generalist
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to Cantonese opera actors capable of performing various character types, this term has evolved into a common way to describe someone who is exceptionally versatile. It carries a slightly playful or admiring tone, often used in professional settings to praise a colleague who can wear many hats. While it implies high competence, it can sometimes be used ironically if someone is being tasked with too many unrelated chores.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is a real all-rounder; he can handle any kind of work.
You should ask him for help, he is the company's go-to person for everything.
Related words
Common phrases
the office all-rounder
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being busy or overworked. It specifically highlights the ability to perform diverse tasks well, rather than just the volume of work someone is doing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
