How to Say “Thief” in Cantonese

Did you know?

• In Cantonese, the word 賊 is often used as a playful or affectionate suffix for children who are mischievous, similar to calling a child a 'little rascal' in English.
• In traditional Cantonese opera, a character's role as a 'thief' or rogue is often signaled by specific facial makeup patterns that differentiate them from noble characters.
• In Cantonese, the word 賊 can be used as a prefix for people you strongly dislike or find annoying, even if they have never stolen anything. It functions similarly to calling someone a 'scoundrel' in English.