sau2 ok3首惡首恶
Jyutpingsau2 ok3
Yalesáu ok
Definition
The chief criminal or ringleader.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the primary instigator or the most culpable individual in a criminal or negative situation. It carries a formal and serious tone, often appearing in news reports or legal discussions rather than casual conversation. Using it in everyday speech can sound overly dramatic or like a line from a period drama.
Examples
The police must catch the mastermind behind this case.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general terms for criminals like 壞人 or 犯人, as 首惡 specifically highlights the leader or the one most responsible for the harm caused.
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.
