hoi1 toi2開枱开枱

Jyutpinghoi1 toi2

Yalehōi tói

動詞

Definition

To set the table for a meal or for playing mahjong.

to set the table; to prepare the dining table for a meal
to set up the table to play mahjong

colloquialdaily actionsfood

How it's used

Beyond the literal meaning of setting the dining table, this term is the standard way to describe setting up a mahjong table for a game. It carries a sense of social preparation, implying that guests are arriving or a group activity is about to begin. When used for meals, it specifically refers to the act of arranging the bowls, chopsticks, and dishes rather than just the physical act of unfolding a table.

Examples

faai3快di1啲hoi1開toi2枱laa1啦，daai6大gaa1家dou1都hou2好tou5肚ngo6餓aa4呀。

Hurry up and set the table, everyone is very hungry.

gam1今maan5晚uk1屋kei2企hoi1開toi2枱daa2打maa4麻zoek2雀，nei5你gwo3過lai2嚟wun6玩m4唔wun6玩？

We are setting up the mahjong table at home tonight, are you coming over to play?

Common phrases

hoi1開toi2枱sik6食faan6飯

to set the table and eat

hoi1開toi2枱daa2打paai2牌

to set up the mahjong table

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 開台, which often refers to starting a theatrical performance or a broadcasting station. In Cantonese, the focus is strictly on the physical table setup for dining or gaming.