jiu4 toi4瑤臺瑤台
Jyutpingjiu4 toi4
Yaleyìuh tòih
Definition
A magnificent balcony, terrace, or sanctuary, often associated with fairy dwellings in mythology.
colloquialplacesdescriptions
How it's used
Literary and poetic in nature, this term is rarely used in everyday speech to describe actual architecture. It frequently appears in classical literature or song lyrics to evoke an ethereal, heavenly, or dreamlike setting. When used in casual conversation, it carries a hyperbolic or sarcastic tone, suggesting a place is overly ornate or pretentious.
Examples
The decoration here is as beautiful as a magnificent balcony.
Do you think this place looks like a magnificent balcony?
Related words
Common phrases
a fairyland or heavenly palace
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a functional balcony in a residential building, as it would sound absurdly out of place. Use 露台 instead for standard architectural references.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
