gau6 lau2舊樓旧楼
Jyutpinggau6 lau2
Yalegauh láu
Definition
Old building; tenement building.
colloquialplaceshome
How it's used
Refers specifically to residential or commercial buildings that are aging, often implying they lack modern facilities like elevators or security systems. It frequently appears in discussions about urban renewal projects or property investment. Unlike generic terms for old things, it carries a distinct connotation of urban density and historical development in Hong Kong.
Measure word
tong4幢tònghExamples
Many old buildings around here have been demolished.
Does that old building you live in have an elevator?
Related words
Common phrases
old building redevelopment
acquisition of old buildings
Common mistake
Avoid using it for historical monuments or heritage sites, as those are usually referred to as 古蹟. It is strictly for functional, aging buildings that people inhabit or work in.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
