seoi2 fo3 haak3水貨客水货客
Jyutpingseoi2 fo3 haak3
Yaleséui fo haak
Definition
Parallel traders; people who buy goods in one place and carry them across borders to resell on the grey market.
colloquialpeopleshopping
How it's used
Refers specifically to individuals who transport goods across borders to exploit price differences or avoid taxes, often causing local congestion. The term carries a negative connotation in Hong Kong due to the disruption caused to public transport and local retail supply. It is distinct from professional smugglers as the goods are technically legal, just imported through unofficial channels.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Those grey market traders often appear near the train station.
Are those grey market traders you saw carrying a huge amount of goods?
Related words
Common phrases
crack down on grey market traders
the issue of grey market traders
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general shoppers or tourists, as the term specifically implies a commercial intent to resell goods for profit. Using it to describe regular travelers can sound accusatory or rude.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
