paang4 gaa2棚架
Jyutpingpaang4 gaa2
Yalepàahng gá
Definition
Scaffolding; a temporary supporting structure used in construction.
colloquialworkplaces
How it's used
Bamboo is the traditional material used for scaffolding in Hong Kong, so the term is deeply associated with the sight of bamboo poles tied together with plastic strips. While modern construction sites may use metal, the term remains the standard way to refer to any temporary structure used for exterior building work. It is common to see these structures covering entire high-rise buildings during renovation.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
They are building scaffolding over there, be careful when walking past.
Do you see the scaffolding outside the building?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the noun 棚架 with the verb phrase 搭棚, which specifically refers to the act of erecting the scaffolding. Using the noun when you mean the action can sound slightly unnatural in casual conversation.
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.
