haam4 seoi2 lau4鹹水樓咸水楼
Definition
Buildings constructed with seawater concrete, which corrodes steel rebar and compromises structural safety.
How it's used
This term refers specifically to the structural crisis in Hong Kong during the 1960s when contractors used seawater instead of fresh water to mix concrete due to severe water rationing. The salt content caused the steel reinforcement bars inside the concrete to corrode prematurely, leading to severe spalling and safety concerns. It is a highly specific term that carries a negative connotation regarding property value and safety.
Measure word
dung6棟dunghExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with buildings that simply have plumbing issues or water leaks. It is a technical term for a specific historical construction malpractice that permanently compromises the structural integrity of the building.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
