Horatio Posted March 28, 2007 at 12:33 PM Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 at 12:33 PM What are the correct characters for "people smugglers" in Chinese. Someone in my class the other day mentioned the Chinese word and I guess it's probably this 人口搬子。 The other thing, is about the idiomatic usage of 乖乖 which usually means "sweety" when talking to child. However around Nanjing and nearby Yangzhou I have heard it used in what seems to be a rather sarcastic manner. I think equivalent to a sarcastic "Oh you poor thing". Can anyone confirm this? I've heard it used in my direction when I've given a yawn. As if the person wanted to say oh so you think you're tired? Sorry I can't provide more context. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horatio Posted March 28, 2007 at 02:01 PM Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 at 02:01 PM Sorry, to be more specific, the context the phrase was used in was kidnapping a woman or girl to be sold in another place as a wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
againstwind Posted March 29, 2007 at 06:12 AM Report Share Posted March 29, 2007 at 06:12 AM people smugglers：人贩子 I think equivalent to a sarcastic "Oh you poor thing" yes, it is, more or less. It depends on its pronunciation. 乖乖 1) guai1 guai1: it means "sweety" e.g. 妈妈对小女儿说：“乖乖，该去睡觉了。” or "obediently, compliantly" e.g. 你最好乖乖地呆在这！ 2) guai1 guai5 (second is neutral tone): it is an interjection, expressing astonishment or admiration. e.g. 乖乖，他居然把那整只牛全吃了！ 乖乖，那人可真高！ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horatio Posted March 30, 2007 at 12:02 PM Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2007 at 12:02 PM Thanks for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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