naam4 bak1 hang4南北行
Jyutpingnaam4 bak1 hang4
Yalenàahm bāk hàhng
Definition
Nam Pak Hong; traditional import-export trading companies in Hong Kong dealing in goods between northern China and Southeast Asia.
colloquialworkplaces
How it's used
Refers to a specific historical category of Chinese merchant firms that dominated the import and export trade between Southeast Asia and China. These shops were historically concentrated in the Sheung Wan area, particularly along Bonham Strand. While the term is still understood, it now carries a nostalgic or historical weight rather than describing modern global logistics companies.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
His family used to run a traditional trading business.
Do you know which traditional trading firms are still operating?
Related words
Common phrases
the street where these trading firms were historically located
to operate a traditional trading firm
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
