lou5 zi6 hou6老字號老字号
Jyutpinglou5 zi6 hou6
Yalelóuh jih houh
Definition
An old, established shop or brand with a long history and a good reputation.
colloquialfoodpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to businesses that have maintained a consistent level of quality over many decades. It carries a strong sense of nostalgia and trust, often implying that the shop has become a cultural landmark in its neighborhood. While it can apply to any business, it is most frequently used for traditional food establishments like tea houses or noodle shops.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
This bakery is a long-standing brand in the district.
Related words
Common phrases
a century-old brand
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being an old shop, as it requires the element of a good reputation. A shop that has been around for a long time but has poor service or quality would not be called a 老字號.
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.
