maai4 gaai1埋街
Jyutpingmaai4 gaai1
Yalemàaih gāai
Definition
To dock, come alongside a pier, or go ashore.
colloquialtransportplaces
How it's used
Originating from boat-dwelling communities, this term specifically describes a vessel docking or coming alongside a pier. While it literally translates to reaching the street, it is strictly used in the context of water transport and maritime activities. It carries a sense of finality or relief, often used when a long journey on the water concludes.
Examples
The boat has finally reached the shore.
Related words
Common phrases
a boat docking
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean arriving at a street or walking to a road in a city, as it would sound nonsensical to native speakers. It is reserved for boats and ships docking at a harbor or landing stage.
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.
