maa5 laam2馬檻马槛
Jyutpingmaa5 laam2
Yalemáh láam
Definition
Brothel; a house of prostitution.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This term carries a derogatory and old fashioned tone, often used in a dismissive or gossipy manner. It is not a neutral term for a sex work establishment and should be avoided in polite or professional conversation. It reflects a specific era of Hong Kong history when such establishments were more visible in certain districts.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
I heard that place used to be a brothel.
Do you know where there is a brothel?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal stable because of the character 馬, but it is strictly slang for a brothel. Do not use it in any context involving actual horses or equestrian facilities.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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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.
