to4 tit3佗鐵佗铁
Jyutpingto4 tit3
Yaletòh tit
Definition
To carry a gun.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This is a classic piece of Hong Kong triad slang that has permeated general colloquial speech. It functions as a verb phrase where 鐵 refers to the firearm itself, acting as a metonymy. Using this term carries a gritty, cinematic tone often associated with old-school crime films.
Examples
He carries a gun whenever he goes out, it's very dangerous.
Why are you carrying a gun? Put it away quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term in formal or professional settings, as it is strictly underworld slang and can sound aggressive or suspicious to listeners.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
