saang1 ji3 lou2生意佬
Jyutpingsaang1 ji3 lou2
Yalesāang yi lóu
Definition
Businessman; a man who makes his living by doing business.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
The suffix 佬 carries a distinct nuance of informality and can sometimes imply a slightly cynical or rough-around-the-edges persona. While it is not necessarily offensive, it is rarely used in professional or formal settings where terms like 商人 are preferred. It focuses specifically on the person's identity as someone who hustles or manages trade rather than their corporate title.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is always out chatting with businessmen.
You've been a businessman for so many years, you must have a lot of experience, right?
Related words
Common phrases
to be a businessman
a group of businessmen
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in a formal business meeting or when addressing someone directly, as it can sound dismissive or overly casual. It is best reserved for talking about someone in the third person or in a relaxed social context.
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.
