ngai4 lau4危樓危楼
Jyutpingngai4 lau4
Yalengàih làuh
Definition
An unstable, dilapidated, or condemned building at risk of collapse and unfit for habitation.
neutralplaceshome
How it's used
Refers specifically to structures officially or visibly deemed unsafe for habitation due to structural instability. It carries a strong sense of urgency and danger, often appearing in news reports regarding urban renewal or safety inspections. Unlike general terms for old buildings, it implies an imminent threat of collapse.
Measure word
dung6棟dunghExamples
The government says that building is condemned, we have to move out immediately.
Related words
Common phrases
demolish a condemned building
cordon off a condemned building
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唐樓, which refers to pre-war walk-up buildings. While many old 唐樓 may be in poor condition, the term 唐樓 itself describes an architectural style and age, whereas 危樓 describes a dangerous status.
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.
