lam4 uk1臨屋临屋
Jyutpinglam4 uk1
Yalelàhm ūk
Definition
Temporary housing provided by the government for people awaiting public housing.
colloquialplaceshome
How it's used
This term is specific to Hong Kong's historical housing policy from the 1970s to the 1990s. It refers to structures built quickly to house people displaced by fires, squatter clearances, or those waiting for permanent public housing. While the physical structures have largely been demolished, the term remains a common reference point when discussing the city's urban development history.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The living conditions in temporary housing back then were very poor.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern transitional housing, which is a different government initiative. Using this term to describe current temporary shelters or hostels will sound outdated and historically inaccurate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
