tou4 bing1逃兵

Jyutpingtou4 bing1

Yaletòuh bīng

名詞

Definition

A deserter; a soldier who runs away, or a quitter who flees from difficulties.

deserter; a soldier who runs away from duty or battle
figurativequitter; someone who flees from difficulties or problems

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

While primarily referring to military deserters, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who abandons their responsibilities or quits a difficult situation prematurely. It carries a strong sense of cowardice and lack of commitment. When used in a non-military context, it is often employed to shame or criticize someone for giving up when things get tough.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢zou6做dou3到jat1一bun3半zau6就zau2走zo2咗，gaan2簡zik6直hai6係zik1職coeng4場tou4逃bing1兵。

He left halfway through the work; he is simply a quitter in the workplace.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪soeng2想zou6做tou4逃bing1兵，lin4連ni1呢go3個tiu1挑zin3戰dou1都m4唔gam2敢min6面deoi3對？

Are you trying to be a deserter, not even daring to face this challenge?

Common phrases

lam4臨zan6陣tou4逃bing1兵

a deserter who flees right before the battle

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with general terms for people who leave, such as 離職者. Using 逃兵 implies a moral failing or a lack of courage, so it is quite offensive if used to describe someone who simply resigned from a job for valid personal reasons.