teng1 zoeng2廳長厅长
Jyutpingteng1 zoeng2
Yaletēng jéung
Definition
The head of a government department; or colloquially, someone who sleeps in the living room.
- the head of a department under a provincial or regional government
- slangsomeone who sleeps in the living room
colloquialpeoplehome
How it's used
Beyond the formal government title, this term is widely used as a humorous, self-deprecating way to describe someone who lacks a private bedroom and must sleep in the living room. It is often used when a guest stays over, forcing a family member to give up their bed. The term plays on the bureaucratic title to make a cramped living situation sound like an official position.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
You sleep on the sofa tonight and be the 'living room head' for now.
Related words
Common phrases
to sleep in the living room
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a formal or professional setting to refer to an actual government official, as the colloquial meaning regarding sleeping arrangements is far more common in daily speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
