dung6 tou2動土动土
Jyutpingdung6 tou2
Yaleduhng tóu
Definition
To break ground to start a construction project.
neutralworkplaces
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning of starting construction, this term is deeply tied to traditional Chinese geomancy. Many people consult a calendar to pick an auspicious date for动土 to avoid bad luck or offending spirits. It is common to see a formal ceremony with offerings before the actual digging begins.
Examples
They are going to break ground to build a tower here next month.
Do you know when they will start breaking ground?
Related words
Common phrases
ground breaking ceremony
choose an auspicious date for breaking ground
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply digging a hole in the ground for gardening or small tasks. It specifically refers to the formal commencement of a construction project.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
