pok3 pok3 zaai1㩧㩧齋㩧㩧斋
Jyutpingpok3 pok3 zaai1
Yalepok pok jāai
Definition
An old-style private school or study hall.
slangschoolslang
How it's used
This term is a playful and slightly derogatory slang used to describe private schools, often implying they are places where wealthy parents pay for their children to get by rather than focusing on academic merit. It carries a sense of elitism or social exclusion, suggesting the environment is disconnected from the reality of local public schools. It is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal or professional settings.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
The private school he attended when he was young was very expensive.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a formal context or when talking to teachers, as it can sound dismissive or disrespectful towards the institution.
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.
