man4 zoek3文雀
Jyutpingman4 zoek3
Yalemàhn jeuk
Definition
Pickpocket.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from the 1980s Hong Kong film industry, this term uses the metaphor of a sparrow to describe the quick, nimble movements of a thief. It carries a slightly cinematic or underworld flavor compared to the more standard term 扒手. You will often hear it used in cautionary advice when warning someone about crowded public spaces.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Be careful when taking the MTR, there are many pickpockets here.
You keep your wallet in your back pocket, it's very easy for a pickpocket to target.
Related words
Common phrases
beware of pickpockets
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the actual bird, which is 麻雀. Using it to refer to a literal bird will cause confusion as it is strictly used for human thieves.
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.
