Singaporean Mandarin Database
This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.
a highly skilled person or foreman
a highly skilled person or foreman
释义
名词
- 比喻技术最高明或能干的人。
- 可指某一个行业中负责管理员工的工头或头目。
DEFINITION
Noun
- A person who is the most highly skilled or capable.
- A supervisor.
由来
- 源自于福建话 tau tshiu，类似师傅的意思，一般指某个行业的技术能手，也可指某一个行业中的工头或头目。
- 在新加坡的饮食业里，也会常听到“头手”这一称呼。
- 此外，也有“二手”这一称呼，它源自于福建话 li tshiu，类似副手的意思，一般二手的经验或职位次于头手。
ETYMOLOGY
- This term comes from the Hokkien term tau tshiu, which means “master”. It typically refers to a technical expert in a particular industry, or the foreman.
- The term is also commonly used in Singapore’s food and beverage industry to refer to a cook or chef.
- There is also the term, “二手”, which comes from the Hokkien li tshiu, which means “assistant”. Typically, this term refers to someone who is less experienced or holds a position below the “头手”.
例句
鱼圆面摊老板申诉，阿叔来当“头手”两个月，以投资为由借了3,000元，之后闹失踪，老板气煞报警。（《新明日报》， 19/3/2019）
SAMPLE SENTENCE
The fishball noodle stall owner complained that the man, who had worked for him as a “foreman” (cook) for two months, ran off after borrowing S$3,000 supposedly for investment purposes. The owner has lodged a police report. (Shin Min Daily News, 19/3/2019)