sou3 wong4掃黃扫黄
Jyutpingsou3 wong4
Yalesou wòhng
Definition
To conduct an anti-vice operation; to crack down on prostitution.
colloquialworkother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in the context of law enforcement activities targeting prostitution. It carries a formal yet journalistic tone, frequently appearing in news reports or when discussing public safety measures in specific nightlife districts. While it describes a serious police action, it is a standard, neutral term in Hong Kong society rather than a derogatory one.
Examples
The police will go to Tsim Sha Tsui for an anti-vice operation tonight.
Do you know why that district is always conducting anti-vice raids?
Related words
Common phrases
police anti-vice operation
to conduct an anti-vice raid
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general cleaning or tidying up, as the character 掃 might lead learners to think of 掃地. It is a specific compound word referring to the suppression of illicit sexual services.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
