zing3 zi6 bou6政治部
Jyutpingzing3 zi6 bou6
Yalejing jih bouh
Definition
Special Branch; the department of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force responsible for intelligence and security, disbanded in 1995.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to the intelligence unit of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force that operated during the colonial era. It carries a strong historical and somewhat conspiratorial connotation in local culture, often associated with Cold War espionage and surveillance. Because it was a highly classified entity, it is frequently mentioned in discussions about Hong Kong's transition period and political history.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I heard the Special Branch used to be very mysterious.
Do you know when the Special Branch was disbanded?
Related words
Common phrases
dissolution of the Special Branch
Special Branch officer
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern political departments or general government bureaus, as the term is strictly tied to the historical police unit that ceased operations before the 1997 handover.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
