pei5 neoi5婢女
Jyutpingpei5 neoi5
Yalepéih néuih
Definition
Maidservant or slave girl in ancient times.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term is exclusively used in historical contexts or when discussing period dramas. It carries a heavy connotation of social hierarchy and historical servitude that does not apply to modern domestic helpers. Using it to describe a contemporary helper would be considered highly offensive and archaic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In this period drama, the maid is so miserable.
Did maids in ancient times have to serve their masters?
Related words
Common phrases
personal maid
Common mistake
Do not use this word to refer to a modern domestic worker or helper, for which the term 工人 or 姐姐 is appropriate. Using this word for a modern person implies they are a slave or a low-class servant, which is culturally inappropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
