maang4 lau4盲流
Jyutpingmaang4 lau4
Yalemàahng làuh
Definition
Transients or vagrants; specifically people in China migrating blindly from rural villages to major cities for work.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a strong derogatory and dehumanizing tone, reflecting a historical period of rapid urbanization in mainland China. It reduces individuals to a faceless, chaotic mass of people moving without purpose or permission. Avoid using this term to describe migrants or job seekers in a modern or neutral context, as it is highly offensive.
Measure word
baan1班bānExamples
Back then, many transients flooded into the cities to find work.
They look at that group of people as if they were vagrants.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general terms for migrants or travelers, but it specifically implies a lack of legal status or social belonging. Using it to describe someone who has moved for work in a professional or respectful setting will sound extremely insensitive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
