seoi2 soeng6 jan4水上人
Jyutpingseoi2 soeng6 jan4
Yaleséui seungh yành
Definition
(noun) a term of fishermen; people live in a boat
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Historically, this term refers to the Tanka people who lived on boats in coastal areas. It carries a sense of cultural identity linked to maritime traditions rather than just a description of housing. While many have moved to land, the term remains a respectful way to acknowledge their unique heritage.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
ngo5 aa3 je4 ji5 cin4 hai6 seoi2 soeng6 jan4 seng4 jat6 gong2 hoi2 soeng6 min6 ge3 gu3 si6
我阿爺以前係水上人，成日講海上面嘅故事。
My grandfather used to be a boat person, he often tells stories about the sea.
nei5 zi1 m4 zi1 ji5 cin4 di1 seoi2 soeng6 jan4 dim2 joeng2 hai2 syun4 soeng6 min6 saang1 wut6
你知唔知以前啲水上人點樣喺船上面生活？
Do you know how the boat people lived on boats in the past?
Related words
Common phrases
seoi2 soeng6 jan4 sang1 wut6
水上人生活
life of boat people
seoi2 soeng6 jan4 man4 faa3
水上人文化
boat people culture
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe modern-day refugees or migrants living on boats, as it specifically refers to the traditional fishing communities of Southern China and Hong Kong.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
