soeng6 haa6 kei4 sau2上下其手
Jyutpingsoeng6 haa6 kei4 sau2
Yaleseuhng hah kèih sáu
Definition
To engage in underhand manipulation or fraud; to grope someone or commit indecent assault.
- figurativeto play tricks or conspire in underhand manipulation and fraud
- slangto grope someone; to touch sensitive parts of the body; to indecently assault
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originally a literary idiom describing corrupt officials colluding to manipulate accounts, the modern colloquial usage has shifted entirely to describe sexual harassment or groping. This semantic drift is a common point of confusion for those familiar only with the classical meaning. It is now almost exclusively used in the context of non-consensual physical contact.
Examples
She was groped on the MTR, it was truly terrifying.
Related words
Common phrases
to be groped by someone
Common mistake
Learners should avoid using this in formal or business contexts to mean 'manipulation' or 'corruption', as native speakers will almost certainly interpret it as a reference to sexual assault.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
