se4 tau4蛇頭蛇头
Jyutpingse4 tau4
Yalesèh tàuh
Definition
The head of a snake, or a human smuggler who facilitates illegal migration.
- the head of a snake
- a human smuggler; the leader of a human smuggling ring
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers primarily to human smugglers who facilitate illegal border crossings. While it literally translates to the head of a snake, it is almost exclusively used in the context of organized crime and human trafficking. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying someone who profits from the desperation of others.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That snakehead disappeared right after taking the money.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal head of a snake. In a biological context, it is better to say 蛇嘅頭 to avoid any ambiguity regarding criminal activity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
