hok6 tong4學堂学堂
Jyutpinghok6 tong4
Yalehohk tòhng
Definition
School, academy, or police training school.
- datedschool; private school
- slangpolice academy; police training school
datedschool
How it's used
Refers to a traditional or formal place of learning, often carrying a nostalgic or slightly old-fashioned tone in Hong Kong. While it is largely replaced by 學校 in everyday speech, it remains the standard term for a police academy. In some overseas Cantonese communities, such as in Ipoh, it is still a common and neutral way to refer to a school.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
Which school did you go to when you were little?
He has entered the police academy for training now.
Related words
Common phrases
police academy
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe modern primary or secondary schools in Hong Kong, as it will sound overly dramatic or like a period drama. Use 學校 instead for any standard educational institution.
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.
