ngoi6 saang2 jan4外省人
Jyutpingngoi6 saang2 jan4
Yalengoih sáang yàhn
Definition
People from other provinces, or mainland Chinese immigrants to Hong Kong.
- people from other provinces
- slangmainland Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Historically, this term refers to people who moved to Hong Kong from Mainland China, particularly after the Second World War. It carries a strong sense of 'otherness' and can sound exclusionary or dated depending on the context. Using it to label people can imply they are not 'local' or do not belong to the core Hong Kong identity.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
His family members are from other provinces.
Related words
Common phrases
background of being from another province
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in casual conversation with strangers, as it can be perceived as offensive or discriminatory. It is often better to refer to someone's specific place of origin if necessary, rather than using a broad, potentially loaded label.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
