si1 zoeng2司長司长
Jyutpingsi1 zoeng2
Yalesī jéung
Definition
Secretaries of Departments, the highest-ranking principal officials in the Hong Kong government.
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How it's used
This title is reserved for the three highest ranking officials in the Hong Kong government hierarchy. It is used as a formal title before a person's name or as a standalone reference to the office holder. In casual conversation, people often drop the full title and just refer to them by their specific portfolio, such as 財爺 for the Financial Secretary.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
The Secretary will go to the Legislative Council for a meeting today.
Do you know who the Financial Secretary is?
Related words
Common phrases
Chief Secretary for Administration
Financial Secretary
Secretary for Justice
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 局長, which refers to a lower-ranking Bureau Secretary. Using 司長 to address a Bureau Secretary is considered a significant error in protocol.
Grammar color guide
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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.
