paau3 zai2炮仔
Jyutpingpaau3 zai2
Yalepaau jái
Definition
A gun, in gangster slang.
slangslang
How it's used
This term is strictly underworld slang used to refer to a firearm. It carries a gritty, criminal connotation and should never be used in casual conversation with strangers or in professional settings. Using it outside of specific contexts can make you sound like you are trying too hard to sound like a movie character.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
He has a gun hidden in his pocket.
Why are you taking out a gun?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 炮仗, which refers to firecrackers. While they sound similar, using the wrong one in a tense situation could lead to significant confusion or unintended humor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
