ze2 ze2姐姐

Jyutpingze2 ze2

Yalejé jé

Very common

Definition

A female domestic helper, housemaid, or female janitor.

a female domestic helper or housemaid
a female janitor or cleaner

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

Using this term is a polite and respectful way to address or refer to a domestic worker in a household or a cleaning staff member in a public space. It softens the hierarchy compared to more formal or clinical terms, reflecting a common social practice in Hong Kong to treat household staff as part of the extended family unit. It is almost always used with a classifier like 個 or the specific role like 清潔.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

uk1屋kei2企go3個ze1姐ze1姐gam1今jat6日fong3放gaa3假aa4呀。

The domestic helper at home is off today.

nei5你ceng2請zo2咗ze1姐ze1姐bong1幫sau2手daa2打sou3掃mei6未aa4呀？

Have you hired a helper to help with the cleaning yet?

Common phrases

cing1清git3潔ze1姐ze1姐

female janitor

ngoi6外jung4傭ze1姐ze1姐

foreign domestic helper

Common mistake

Avoid using this term to refer to a biological older sister, as it will cause confusion; use 家姐 instead for a sibling. While it is a term of endearment, ensure the tone remains professional in formal settings to avoid sounding overly familiar or patronizing.