baau1 jyu4 zai3鮑魚掣鲍鱼掣
Jyutpingbaau1 jyu4 zai3
Yalebāau yùh jai
Definition
An electrical circuit breaker switch.
colloquialhometechnology
How it's used
This term is a classic example of Hong Kong Cantonese slang derived from visual association. The shape of the main switch in older fuse boxes resembles an abalone, leading to this unique local name. While younger generations might use more technical terms, it remains widely understood in residential settings.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
the circuit breaker trips
to flip the circuit breaker switch
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a professional or engineering context, as it is strictly colloquial slang. Use the formal term 總掣 or 斷路器 when speaking to an electrician.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
