on3 dai2案底
Jyutpingon3 dai2
Yaleon dái
Definition
Criminal record; a record of past criminal convictions.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in contexts involving legal consequences and police records. It carries a heavy social stigma in Hong Kong, as having one can severely limit future employment opportunities, especially in government or professional sectors. The phrase 留案底 is the standard way to describe the act of acquiring such a record.
Examples
He did something wrong when he was young, and now he has a criminal record.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general mistakes or bad behavior, as it specifically refers to formal legal records held by the police. It is not used for minor disciplinary issues at school or work.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
