gaai1 zing3街症
Jyutpinggaai1 zing3
Yalegāai jing
Definition
Outpatient clinic service provided by public hospitals.
colloquialhealthplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to the general out-patient services provided by the Hospital Authority, which are heavily subsidized and often require long waiting times. It carries a connotation of being a last resort or a slow process compared to private clinics. People use this term to describe the act of seeking medical help at these specific public facilities rather than a private doctor.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He went to queue for the public clinic very early this morning.
If you are not feeling well, why don't you go to the public clinic?
Related words
Common phrases
to queue for a public clinic appointment
to see a doctor at a public clinic
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a private clinic, which is simply called 診所. Using 街症 to refer to a private doctor's office will sound confusing to native speakers.
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.
