man4 fong2文房
Jyutpingman4 fong2
Yalemàhn fóng
Definition
A scholar's study, or by extension, stationery.
- literarya scholar's study
- stationery; writing materials
neutralschoolother
How it's used
Refers specifically to items used for writing and calligraphy, often carrying a slightly traditional or scholarly nuance. While it can be used for general office supplies, it is less common in modern daily speech than 文具. It is frequently encountered in the context of traditional Chinese painting or calligraphy supplies.
Examples
This shop sells a lot of stationery.
Related words
Common phrases
the four treasures of the study
stationery supplies
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 文具, which is the standard, everyday term for stationery. Using 文房 in a casual setting to describe basic items like ballpoint pens or staplers can sound overly formal or slightly archaic.
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.
