to4 coeng1跎槍跎枪
Jyutpingto4 coeng1
Yaletòh chēung
Definition
To carry a gun, especially as an armed police officer, or to work in the police force.
- to carry a gun; to be armed
- slangto work in the police force
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This term is specific to the Hong Kong police force and carries a slightly gritty, streetwise tone. It emphasizes the physical act of carrying a weapon as a defining characteristic of the job rather than just holding a rank. It is rarely used for other armed professions like security guards or military personnel.
Examples
When did you start carrying a gun to work?
Related words
Common phrases
female police officer
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone simply holding a toy gun or a prop, as it specifically implies the authority and professional duty of a police officer.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
