ze3 maa5借馬借马
Jyutpingze3 maa5
Yaleje máh
Definition
To borrow members from another gang or triad group for a conflict or task.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from triad subculture, this term specifically refers to the practice of temporarily recruiting members from another faction to bolster one's own strength for a conflict. It carries a strong connotation of underworld activity and is rarely used in legitimate professional or social contexts. Using it outside of describing gang dynamics can sound overly dramatic or inappropriately edgy.
Examples
Those two groups borrowed members from each other to start a fight.
Related words
Common phrases
borrowing manpower for a fight
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe borrowing physical objects or animals, as it is strictly metaphorical for human resources in a confrontational setting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
