maak3 tai1擘梯掰梯
Jyutpingmaak3 tai1
Yalemaak tāi
Definition
A double-sided stepladder, standing ladder, or herringbone ladder.
colloquialhomework
How it's used
This term specifically refers to the A frame style ladder that stands on its own without needing to lean against a wall. It is the most common word used by tradespeople and in household settings to distinguish this type from a straight ladder. While it is a functional term, it is rarely used in formal writing or professional construction documentation where more technical terms might be preferred.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
Can you bring me the ladder? I want to change the light bulb.
That ladder is very old, be careful when you climb up.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 梯, which is a general term for any kind of ladder or stairs. Using 擘梯 when referring to a fixed staircase or a simple leaning ladder will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
