daai6 ci4 tong2大祠堂
Jyutpingdaai6 ci4 tong2
Yaledaaih chìh tóng
Definition
An ancestral temple, or colloquially used to refer to Stanley Prison in Hong Kong.
- ancestral temple
- slangStanley Prison in Hong Kong
colloquialplacespeople
How it's used
Refers primarily to a traditional clan ancestral hall where lineage members gather for rituals. In local slang, it functions as a euphemism for Stanley Prison, often used to avoid explicitly naming the facility. The term carries a sense of gravity or finality when used in the context of incarceration.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
They went back to their hometown to pay respects at the ancestral temple.
I heard he was sent to Stanley Prison.
Related words
Common phrases
to be sent to prison
to worship at the ancestral temple
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a general temple, which is usually called 廟. Using this term for a religious temple dedicated to deities instead of ancestors will sound incorrect to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
