co5 lou4坐牢
Jyutpingco5 lou4
Yalechóh lòuh
Definition
To be in jail or serve a prison sentence.
colloquialother
How it's used
While 坐牢 is understood in Hong Kong, it is considered a formal or written term influenced by Mandarin. Locals almost exclusively use 坐監 in daily speech. The character 監 refers to the prison institution itself, making the phrase feel more direct and grounded in local usage.
Related words
Common phrases
to go crazy from being in jail
Common mistake
Avoid using 坐牢 in casual conversation as it sounds like you are reading from a newspaper or a legal document. Stick to 坐監 to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
