gaai3界
Jyutpinggaai3
Yalegaai
Definition
Geographical boundary; a line used to define a geographic area.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to a physical or abstract line marking a division between two areas. It is most commonly encountered in the proper noun 新界, which is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong. Outside of geographical contexts, it is rarely used in daily conversation to mean boundary, as other terms like 範圍 are preferred for abstract limits.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Do you know where the New Territories are?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 界, which means to cut or scratch. When used as a noun for a boundary, it is almost always paired with the measure word 條.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
