geoi1 uk1居屋
Jyutpinggeoi1 uk1
Yalegēui ūk
Definition
An apartment flat built under Hong Kong's Home Ownership Scheme (HOS), or any government-subsidized sale flat.
colloquialhomemoney
How it's used
Buying these flats involves a lottery system known as 抽居屋, which is a major life event for many middle-class families in Hong Kong. Unlike private housing, these units are sold at a discount to eligible residents, but owners must pay a premium to the government if they wish to sell them on the open market later. The term is deeply embedded in local social discourse regarding housing affordability and government policy.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
The couple saved money for a long time and finally bought an HOS flat.
Do you think the chances of winning the HOS flat lottery are high?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse these with 公屋, which are public rental housing units. Remember that 居屋 are for sale, while 公屋 are strictly for rent.
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.
