wong4 gaa1 faan6皇家飯皇家饭
Jyutpingwong4 gaa1 faan6
Yalewòhng gā faahn
Definition
Prison meal.
colloquialslangpeople
How it's used
Originating from the colonial era when the British monarch was the head of state, this term remains a common euphemism for incarceration. It carries a slightly cynical or dark humor tone, framing prison life as a state-provided service. While the political context has shifted, the phrase is still deeply embedded in local slang to describe the experience of being locked up.
Measure word
caan1餐chānExamples
He has messed up so many times, this time he will definitely have to go to prison.
Don't go down the wrong path, do you want to end up in prison?
Related words
Common phrases
to be in prison
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe actual food served in government canteens or by official bodies, as it is exclusively reserved for referring to prison life.
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.
