paau2 saan1 paai4跑山牌
Jyutpingpaau2 saan1 paai4
Yalepáau sāan pàaih
Definition
Marlboro cigarettes.
colloquialslang
How it's used
This term is a classic example of Cantonese phonetic adaptation where the brand name is replaced by a descriptive phrase. It literally translates to 'mountain running brand', which mimics the sound of the English name while also referencing the iconic imagery of the Marlboro Man in the wilderness. It is widely understood among older generations and long-term smokers, though younger people might just use the English name.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
Do you still have any Marlboro cigarettes?
Related words
Common phrases
a pack of Marlboro
Common mistake
Do not use this term in formal settings or when speaking to someone who does not smoke, as it is strictly slang specific to the tobacco industry and social circles of smokers.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
