zou6 siu2 ze2做小姐
Jyutpingzou6 siu2 ze2
Yalejouh síu jé
Definition
To work as a prostitute, escort, or hostess.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term is a euphemism that carries a strong social stigma, often used in gossip or when discussing someone's background in a judgmental way. It specifically refers to sex work within the context of nightlife or entertainment venues rather than street-level prostitution. Using it can sound quite harsh or derogatory depending on the tone of the speaker.
Examples
She used to work as an escort to pay for her younger brother's education.
Related words
Common phrases
to work as an escort at a nightclub
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to mean a young lady or a miss, as it has lost its polite meaning in modern Cantonese and is almost exclusively associated with sex work. Use 小姐 to address a woman politely in a service setting, but never use the full phrase 做小姐 unless you are explicitly talking about that profession.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
