Definition
光棍 has several distinct meanings depending on context. Its most common modern use is 'bachelor' (a single man), especially around Singles' Day (光棍节). It can also refer to a hoodlum or ruffian in colloquial speech, and in some regional dialects it can mean a brave or tough guy. The tone of the word shifts dramatically by context, so pay attention to surrounding words.
n.
bachelorunmarried man(colloquial) hoodlumruffiantough guy(dialectal) brave manfearless person
Examples
- ，光棍。Tā dōu sānshíwǔ suì le, háishì ge guāng gùn.He's already 35 years old, and he's still a bachelor.
- 光棍，。Nà rén shì ge guāng gùn, nǐ kě bié rě tā.That guy is a hoodlum — better not provoke him.
- ，光棍。Tā yí ge rén gǎn zǒu yèlù, zhēn shì tiáo guāng gùn.He dares to walk alone at night — what a brave man.
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