ng5 gam1五金
Jyutpingng5 gam1
Yaleńgh gām
Definition
Hardware or metalware used in construction and decoration; historically, the five metals.
- hardware and metalware used for construction, renovation, or repair
- archaicthe five metals: gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin or lead
colloquialhomework
How it's used
Refers specifically to the trade or retail sector of construction and repair materials rather than just the raw metals themselves. While the term literally translates to five metals, it functions as a catch-all category for household maintenance supplies like screws, hinges, and plumbing fixtures. You will frequently see it used as a suffix for shops, such as 五金舖 or 五金行.
Examples
The plumbing at home is broken, I need to go to the hardware store to buy parts.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English word hardware in the context of computers, which is usually referred to as 電腦硬件.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
