gaam1 fong4監房监房
Jyutpinggaam1 fong4
Yalegāam fòhng
Definition
A prison cell; a room in a prison with at least a bed for inmates.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
While literally referring to a prison cell, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe any cramped, dark, or unpleasant living space. It carries a strong negative connotation of confinement and lack of freedom. People often use it to complain about tiny apartments or poorly ventilated rooms.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
He has been in prison for many years.
Is your room so small that it's like a prison cell?
Related words
Common phrases
to serve time in a prison cell
resembling a prison cell
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 監獄, which refers to the entire prison facility rather than the individual cell. Using 監房 to describe the whole institution sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
