ngai5 man4蟻民蚁民
Definition
A derogatory term used by rulers or those in power to refer to ordinary citizens or commoners.
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of powerlessness and social stratification, highlighting the vast gap between the ruling class and the ordinary public. It is frequently used in political commentary or social criticism to emphasize how individuals are treated as expendable or easily crushed by those in power. Unlike neutral terms for civilians, it implies a dehumanizing perspective where the collective mass of people is viewed as small and insignificant.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in polite or formal conversation, as it is inherently derogatory and dismissive. It is not a standard way to refer to yourself or others in daily life unless you are specifically making a cynical or critical point about social status.
Grammar color guide
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.
