heoi1墟
Jyutpingheoi1
Yalehēui
Definition
Ruins; a place that was once inhabited but has since been abandoned and destroyed.
neutralplaces
How it's used
墟 is rarely used as a standalone noun in modern spoken Cantonese, appearing almost exclusively in the compound 廢墟. It carries a strong sense of desolation and abandonment, often implying a site that was once bustling with life but is now completely deserted. While it can refer to historical sites, it is most commonly applied to buildings or areas that have fallen into severe disrepair.
Examples
That place has turned into ruins, nobody dares to go in.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 墟 with 墟市, which refers to a traditional market or fair. In the context of a market, 墟 describes a lively, crowded place, which is the exact opposite of its meaning in 廢墟.
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.
