taam3 jyun4探員探员
Jyutpingtaam3 jyun4
Yaletaam yùhn
Definition
Detective; a police officer responsible for investigating crimes.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to police officers tasked with investigative duties, often seen in crime dramas. While it sounds professional, it is frequently used in casual conversation when discussing news or television shows. It carries a slightly more formal weight than just calling someone 警察.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Related words
Common phrases
senior detective
detective investigating a case
Common mistake
Avoid using this for private investigators, who are usually called 私家偵探. Using 探員 for a non-police investigator can cause confusion.
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.
