waa6 si6 jan4話事人话事人
Jyutpingwaa6 si6 jan4
Yalewah sih yàhn
Definition
The person in charge; the one who makes the decisions or has the final say.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term carries a slightly informal or streetwise nuance, often implying someone who holds real power rather than just a formal title. It is frequently used in contexts involving gangs, family hierarchies, or informal groups where decision-making authority is contested or clear. Using it instead of a formal title like 經理 or 老闆 adds a layer of emphasis on the person's actual influence.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is definitely not the one who calls the shots at home.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in highly formal business correspondence or official government documents, as it sounds too colloquial and lacks the professional tone required for those settings.
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.
