bun3 saan1半山
Jyutpingbun3 saan1
Yalebun sāan
Definition
Halfway up a hill or mountain; or the Mid-levels area in Hong Kong.
- halfway up a hill or mountain; mountainside
- the Mid-levels, a residential district on Hong Kong Island
colloquialplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to the residential area known as the Mid-levels in Hong Kong, which is situated between Central and the Peak. While it literally describes any location halfway up a slope, locals almost exclusively use this term to refer to that upscale district. It carries an implicit association with wealth and prestige due to the high property values in that area.
Examples
He lives in the Mid-levels and needs to take transport to get around.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the general geographical description of being halfway up a hill with the specific proper noun Mid-levels, as using it for any random hill might sound slightly confusing to a local.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
