haam4 seoi2 fau6鹹水埠咸水埠
Jyutpinghaam4 seoi2 fau6
Yalehàahm séui fauh
Definition
An old Cantonese name for Vancouver.
colloquialplacestravel
How it's used
Historically, this term refers to the high salt content of the Pacific Ocean that early Chinese migrants crossed to reach North America. While it specifically denotes Vancouver in modern Cantonese, it carries a nostalgic or slightly old-fashioned tone compared to the direct transliteration 溫哥華. Using this term signals a connection to the older generation of overseas Chinese communities.
Examples
He immigrated to Vancouver to live.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
