pou3 tau2 zai2舖頭仔铺头仔
Jyutpingpou3 tau2 zai2
Yalepou táu jái
Definition
A small shop
colloquialplacesshopping
How it's used
Adding the diminutive suffix 仔 conveys a sense of intimacy or informality, often implying the shop is family-run or neighborhood-based. It is rarely used for large retail chains or supermarkets, which are typically referred to as 大舖 or 連鎖店. Using this term suggests you are talking about a local, humble establishment rather than a commercial enterprise.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
The food at this little shop is very good value.
Do you know if there is a small shop nearby to buy water?
Related words
Common phrases
neighborhood small shop
Common mistake
Avoid using this term for large, modern stores or department stores, as it sounds patronizing or simply inaccurate. It is specifically reserved for small, independent businesses.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
