wong4 paai2王牌
Jyutpingwong4 paai2
Yalewòhng páai
Definition
Trump card or ace, referring to a highly effective tactic, person, or resource.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Refers primarily to a person or strategy that is considered the most reliable or powerful asset in a competitive situation. It carries a sense of being a secret weapon or a trump card that is held back until the most critical moment. While it can describe a top-tier athlete or performer, it is equally common in business contexts to describe a star employee or a key product feature.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
He is the company's ace; many big clients specifically request him to handle their accounts.
ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃hai6係ngo5我dei6哋zeoi3最hau6後ge3嘅wong4王paai2牌，m4唔ho2可ji5以gam3咁faai3快ling1拎ceot1出lai4嚟。
This plan is our final ace; we cannot bring it out so soon.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply popular or famous. It specifically implies a functional, strategic importance where success depends heavily on that person or thing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
