pei4 paa4 zai2琵琶仔

Jyutpingpei4 paa4 zai2

Yalepèih pàh jái

名詞

Definition

A young female singer who performs in a brothel.

datedpeopleother

How it's used

This term is deeply rooted in the historical context of old Hong Kong nightlife and traditional entertainment districts. It specifically refers to young girls who performed musical acts in brothels rather than being sex workers themselves. It carries a heavy sense of historical nostalgia and social tragedy, often appearing in period dramas or literature about the mid-twentieth century.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

ji5以cin4前di1啲pei4琵paa4琶zai2仔zan1真hai6係hou2好caam2慘。

The young singing maids in the past were truly miserable.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知bin1邊dou6度zung6仲jau5有pei4琵paa4琶zai2仔teng1聽aa4呀？

Do you know where one can still hear a young singing maid?

Common phrases

maai6賣coeng3唱pei4琵paa4琶zai2仔

singing maid who performs for money

Common mistake

Do not use this term to describe modern singers or performers, as it is strictly tied to a specific historical profession and carries a strong connotation of exploitation. Using it in a contemporary context would be highly inappropriate and offensive.