mo1 lo1 caa1摩囉差摩罗差
Jyutpingmo1 lo1 caa1
Yalemō lō chā
Definition
An Indian or South Asian person, originally used to refer to Indian police officers in colonial Hong Kong.
- datedIndian or South Asian person
- historicalIndian police officer in colonial Hong Kong
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term is historically rooted in the colonial era when many South Asian immigrants served in the police force. It carries a strong derogatory and offensive connotation today, reflecting a history of racial stereotyping. Using it in modern social contexts is considered highly inappropriate and discriminatory.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In the past, Indian police officers liked to carry a baton.
You shouldn't go around calling people that.
Related words
Common phrases
Indian or South Asian person
Common mistake
Learners should avoid using this term entirely, as it is not a neutral way to describe South Asian people. It is widely perceived as a racial slur rather than a descriptive noun.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
