si1司
Jyutpingsi1
Yalesī
Definition
A department under a government ministry, or in Hong Kong, a department of the highest level.
- a department under a government ministry
- a department of the highest level in the Hong Kong government
neutralwork
How it's used
This term is used specifically within the context of government administration to denote a division or department that sits directly under a ministry or bureau. It implies a formal, hierarchical structure rather than a generic office or company department. In Hong Kong, it is most commonly encountered when discussing official government portfolios or specific administrative branches.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He works at the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 部, which refers to the larger ministry or bureau itself. Remember that a 司 is a subordinate unit within a 部.
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.
