jing1 nai4英泥
Jyutpingjing1 nai4
Yaleyīng nàih
Definition
Cement; a grey powder used as a building material and a key ingredient in concrete.
colloquialhomework
How it's used
The term originated during the colonial era when cement was imported from Britain, leading locals to call it English mud. While it remains the standard term in construction and hardware stores, younger generations or those less familiar with building materials might occasionally use the loanword 水泥 instead. It is specifically used for the powder or the mixture, whereas the hardened final product is referred to as 石屎.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
This renovation requires a lot of cement.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 水泥, which is the standard word in other Chinese-speaking regions. While locals will understand 水泥, using 英泥 sounds much more natural and authentic in a Hong Kong construction or DIY context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
