hou4壕
Jyutpinghou4
Yalehòuh
Definition
A trench, ditch, or moat.
neutralplacesnature
How it's used
While historically referring to defensive moats around fortifications, the term is now frequently used to describe any deep, narrow trench or drainage ditch. It carries a slightly more formal or literary weight compared to common words like 坑渠. In modern internet slang, the homophone 豪 is often used to describe wealthy people, so be careful not to confuse the two in casual text.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
There is a very deep moat outside the castle.
This ditch is full of trash.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 豪, which is commonly used in slang to describe someone who spends money lavishly or is very wealthy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
