tong1 sei2 ngau4劏死牛
Jyutpingtong1 sei2 ngau4
Yaletōng séi ngàuh
Definition
To mug or rob someone, especially in a dark alley or quiet place.
slangpeople
How it's used
Originating from old underworld slang, this term carries a sense of extreme threat and sudden violence. It is rarely used in formal reports or news, where terms like 搶劫 are preferred. Using it in casual conversation implies that the victim was caught completely off guard in a dangerous situation.
Examples
I heard the security there is terrible; it is very easy to get mugged if you walk by at night.
He was mugged in the back alley, and his wallet and phone were all gone.
Related words
Common phrases
to get mugged
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe petty theft or pickpocketing. It specifically implies a confrontational, often threatening robbery where the victim is forced to surrender their belongings.
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.
