maa5 fong4馬房马房
Jyutpingmaa5 fong4
Yalemáh fòhng
Definition
A stable for horses, or a brothel where prostitutes wait to be called by clients.
- stable; horse shed
- slangbrothel; a call-girl centre where prostitutes wait to be called
colloquialanimalsslang
How it's used
While primarily referring to a place for horses, this term is widely recognized as slang for a brothel or a location where sex workers operate. The context of the conversation usually makes it clear whether the speaker is discussing equestrian facilities or illicit activities. Using it in a formal setting to refer to a stable is perfectly acceptable, but be aware of the secondary meaning when speaking casually.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
This stable keeps many thoroughbred horses.
I heard that place is an illegal brothel.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 馬場, which refers to a horse racing track or a large equestrian complex. Using 馬房 to describe a racecourse sounds incorrect to native speakers.
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.
