wu1 saa1烏紗乌纱
Jyutpingwu1 saa1
Yalewū sā
Definition
The black hat of ancient Chinese officials, or figuratively, an official post or public office.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the headgear worn by officials in imperial China, but survives in modern Cantonese as a metaphorical way to talk about losing one's job or position. It carries a slightly dramatic or literary tone, often used in contexts involving political scandal or high stakes professional environments. Using it in casual conversation adds a touch of irony or gravitas to the situation.
Measure word
ding2頂díngExamples
He served as an official for so many years, but in the end, he still lost his position.
If you want to keep your job, you must be careful with your work.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to modern hats or headwear in general. It is strictly reserved for the metaphorical sense of holding an official post or position.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
