hoi1 dong3開檔开档

Jyutpinghoi1 dong3

Yalehōi dong

Definition

The opening of a business

colloquialworkplaces

How it's used

Originally referring to physical market stalls, this term has evolved to describe starting any small-scale business or even just beginning a work shift for the day. It carries a casual, industrious tone that implies the physical act of preparing a workspace for customers. You will often hear it used by street vendors or people running small shops to signal that they are ready for the day.

Examples

keoi5 dei6 ziu1 zou2 baat3 dim2 zau6 heoi3 hoi1 dong3 laa3

佢哋朝早八點就去開檔喇。

They go to set up their stall at eight in the morning.

nei5 gam1 jat6 gei2 dim2 hoi1 dong3 aa4

你今日幾點開檔呀？

What time are you starting business today?

Common phrases

zeon2 si4 hoi1 dong3

準時開檔

to open the stall on time

zeon2 bei6 hoi1 dong3

準備開檔

to prepare for opening the stall

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 開舖, which usually refers to opening a formal brick and mortar shop. 開檔 specifically evokes the image of setting up a temporary or smaller stall, making it sound more grounded and informal.