hong6 zai2巷仔
Jyutpinghong6 zai2
Yalehohng jái
Definition
A small lane or alley.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
Adding the diminutive suffix 仔 turns a standard noun into something smaller and more intimate. While 巷 refers to a generic lane or alley, 巷仔 specifically evokes the narrow, often hidden passages found in older Hong Kong neighborhoods. It is frequently used when giving directions or describing local spots that are too small for cars to enter.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 街道, which refers to larger streets or roads. Using 巷仔 for a main road will sound very strange to locals.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
