paau3 lau4炮樓炮楼
Jyutpingpaau3 lau4
Yalepaau làuh
Definition
Watchtower or blockhouse equipped with gun ports, used for observation and shooting.
neutralplaces
How it's used
This term refers specifically to fortified structures built for military observation and defense, often associated with historical rural settings or border areas. It carries a strong sense of historical weight and is rarely used to describe modern security guard posts or observation decks. When used in conversation, it usually evokes imagery of old village defenses or wartime fortifications.
Measure word
zo2座jóExamples
There used to be a watchtower here for defense.
Can you see that watchtower in the distance?
Related words
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.
