What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 壞男仔 is composed of 壞 (waai6) meaning 'bad', 男 (naam4) meaning 'male' and 仔 (zai2) meaning 'boy/son'.
Which one should you use?
While 壞男仔 refers to a 'boy' or a younger man, the term 壞男人 (waai6 naam4 jan4) is used to refer to an adult man. For describing mischievous or naughty kids, you can use 頑童 (waan4 tung4) or for playful youngsters and mischievous boys, you can use 頑皮仔 (waan4 pei4 zai2).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
壞男仔 is an informal way to describe a man with a rebellious or 'bad boy' persona. For more formal or professional contexts, you can use 不良少年 (bat1 loeng4 siu3 nin4) or 不良青年 (bat1 loeng4 cing1 nin4). Additionally, 壞仔 (waai6 zai2) is an informal term for a 'bad boy' or a guy who frequently engages in misbehavior.
How do you pronounce it?
waai6 naam4 zai2
Did you know?
- In Hong Kong pop culture, the 'bad boy' archetype is often linked to the image of the 'triad' member, where 壞男仔 can border on describing someone with actual criminal ties.
- While 壞 (waai6) means 'bad', in many Cantonese contexts it can also imply that something is 'broken' or 'spoiled', adding a layer of meaning that a person's character is 'faulty'.
- The word 仔 (zai2) is also used as a common suffix for many other nouns to create a sense of familiarity, much like 'little' or '-ie' in English.
Examples in context
- 專心學習是避免成為不良青年的最佳方法。Dedicating yourself to studies is the best way to avoid becoming a bad boy.
- 佢係一個壞男仔。keoi5 hai6 jat1 go3 waai6 naam4 zai2.He is a bad boy.
- 好多女仔鍾意壞男仔。hou2 do1 neoi5 zai2 zung1 ji2 waai6 naam4 zai2.Many girls like bad boys.
- 佢成日做壞男仔嘢。keoi5 seng4 jat6 zou6 waai6 naam4 zai2 je5.He always does bad boy things.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new acquaintance.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你覺得子健點？nei5 gok3 dak1 zi2 gin6 dim2?What do you think of Zi Jian?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我覺得佢係個壞男仔。ngo5 gok3 dak1 keoi5 si6 go3 waai3 naam4 zai2.I think he is a bad boy.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting但係佢好型喎！daan6 si6 keoi5 hou2 jing4 wo3!But he is so cool!
- 子健 Tsz Kin就係因為咁先危險。zau6 si6 jan1 wai6 gam2 sin1 wai1 him2.That's exactly why he's dangerous.
