soeng6 min6 lok6 lei4上面落嚟

Jyutpingsoeng6 min6 lok6 lei4

Yaleseuhng mihn lohk lèih

Definition

To come down to Hong Kong from mainland China.

colloquialpeopleplaces

How it's used

Refers to the mainland as 上面 because of the convention of placing north at the top of maps. It is a very common, casual way to describe migration or travel from the mainland to Hong Kong. Using this term implies a shared understanding of the geographic and political relationship between the two places.

Examples

keoi5佢hai6係jau4由soeng5上min6面lok6落lei4嚟hoeng1香gong2港wan2搵gung1工zou6做。

He came down to Hong Kong from the mainland to find work.

nei5你gei2幾si4時jau4由soeng5上min6面lok6落lei4嚟㗎？

When did you come down from the mainland?

Common phrases

jau4由soeng5上min6面lok6落lei4嚟

to come down from the mainland

Common mistake

Avoid using this term in formal or professional settings, as it can sound overly casual or potentially insensitive depending on the audience. It is strictly a colloquial expression for spoken interaction.