zau2 si1走私
Jyutpingzau2 si1
Yalejáu sī
Definition
To smuggle; to bring goods in or out of a place illegally, such as to avoid customs duties or involving contraband.
neutralwork
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of bypassing customs or legal oversight for goods. It carries a strong criminal connotation and is frequently used in news reports or discussions regarding law enforcement actions at the border.
Examples
They smuggled a lot of electronic products back here.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 走, which simply means to walk or leave. While 走私 contains the character 走, it is a fixed compound verb that specifically refers to illegal trade.
Grammar color guide
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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.
