zung1 dim2 mui6鐘點妹钟点妹
Jyutpingzung1 dim2 mui6
Yalejūng dím muih
Definition
An hourly maidservant, or a call girl who is paid by the hour.
- an hourly maidservant; a part-time domestic helper
- slanga call girl who is paid by the hour
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to domestic workers hired by the hour, this term has evolved to carry a strong, derogatory double meaning in certain contexts. Because it can imply sex work, many people now prefer using the more neutral term 鐘點工 or 鐘點工人 to avoid any potential misunderstanding or offense. Using the suffix 妹 can sound condescending or objectifying, so it is best to avoid it in professional or polite conversation.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The house is too messy, why don't we hire a part-time cleaner to tidy up?
Do you know where I can find a reliable hourly cleaner?
Common phrases
to hire an hourly cleaner
to look for an hourly cleaner
Common mistake
Be very careful using this term in casual conversation, as the secondary meaning is widely recognized and can be interpreted as highly insulting or suggestive. Stick to 鐘點工 when referring to domestic help to ensure your meaning remains professional and clear.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
