zou6 aa3 sei3做阿四做啊四

Jyutpingzou6 aa3 sei3

Yalejouh a sei

Definition

To do menial tasks for others, like a servant, slave, or errand runner.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

Originating from the historical term for a fourth-rank servant in a household, this phrase now carries a strong sense of resentment or self-deprecation. It describes someone who is constantly ordered around to perform menial, thankless tasks for others. Using this term implies that the person is being treated as inferior or is lacking autonomy in their role.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日giu3叫ngo5我bong1幫keoi5佢zou6做aa3阿sei3四，zan1真hai6係hou2好faan4煩。

He always asks me to be his errand boy, it is so annoying.

nei5你zou6做me1咩jiu3要喺hai2公gung1司si1做zou6阿aa3四sei3呀？

Why do you have to be a servant at the office?

Common phrases

bei2俾jan4人zou6做aa3阿sei3四

to be treated like a servant by someone

zyun1專zou6做aa3阿sei3四

to specialize in doing all the menial tasks

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a professional job title, as it is strictly a derogatory or informal way to complain about being treated like a servant. It is not used to describe someone who is actually employed as a domestic helper.