zuk1 sing1竹昇竹升
Jyutpingzuk1 sing1
Yalejūk sīng
Definition
An overseas-born Chinese person.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originating from the term for a bamboo pole used to knead noodles, this word carries a specific cultural nuance regarding the identity of overseas-born Chinese. It is often used to describe someone who is culturally Westernized despite their ethnic background. While not inherently offensive, it can sometimes imply a lack of deep connection to traditional Chinese culture or language proficiency.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is a foreign-born Chinese, he has a bit of an accent when he speaks.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term ABC, which specifically refers to American-born Chinese. 竹昇 is a broader term that applies to any Chinese person raised in a Western country, regardless of whether they were born in Canada, the UK, or elsewhere.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
