taam3 zoeng2探長探长
Definition
Detective inspector; an obsolete Hong Kong police rank often used in fiction for an investigating officer.
How it's used
Historically, this rank held significant power and influence, often associated with the era of widespread police corruption in mid-twentieth century Hong Kong. Because of this, the term carries a strong cinematic weight, evoking images of noir-style detectives or corrupt officials from old Hong Kong films. It is rarely used to describe modern police ranks, which have been replaced by more contemporary titles.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a generic term for any police officer, but it refers specifically to a historical rank with investigative authority. Using it to describe a modern-day patrol officer would sound inaccurate or anachronistic.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
