zaa1 seoi2 bou1揸水煲

Jyutpingzaa1 seoi2 bou1

Yalejā séui bōu

名詞

Definition

A restaurant worker or waiter.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

This term is a classic piece of Hong Kong restaurant slang that specifically evokes the image of a waiter carrying a kettle or teapot to refill customers' cups. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or blue-collar feel compared to the more standard 侍應 or 伙記. Using it in a high-end establishment might sound disrespectful or overly informal.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢ji5以cin4前喺hai2酒zau2樓lau4做zou6揸zaa1水seoi2煲，bou1好hou2辛san1苦㗎。

He used to work as a waiter at a restaurant, it was very tiring.

nei5你giu3叫go2嗰go3個zaa1揸seoi2水bou1煲gwo3過lai2嚟lok6落daan1單laa1啦。

Ask that waiter to come over and take the order.

Common phrases

zou6做zaa1揸seoi2水bou1煲

to work as a waiter

giu3叫zaa1揸seoi2水bou1煲

to call the waiter

Common mistake

Do not use this term to refer to a waiter in a formal or professional setting, as it can sound derogatory or belittling. It is strictly colloquial and best reserved for casual conversation about someone's job in a local eatery.