noi6 gaan1內奸内奸
Jyutpingnoi6 gaan1
Yalenoih gāan
Definition
An undercover agent or traitor lurking within one's own organization.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of betrayal and is typically used in the context of organizations, groups, or teams. It implies a deeper level of malice than just being a spy, as it specifically highlights the violation of trust from someone who was supposed to be on the same side. While often used in dramatic or serious situations, it can also be used hyperbolically in casual settings to describe someone who spoils a surprise or shares private group information.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Turns out there is a traitor in the company, no wonder the secrets leaked.
How do you know he is a traitor? Do you have any evidence?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 卧底, which is a neutral or even positive term for an undercover agent or police officer. 內奸 is strictly negative and implies treachery, whereas 卧底 can be a professional role.
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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.
