saam1 baan2三板
Jyutpingsaam1 baan2
Yalesāam báan
Definition
Sampan; a small flat-bottomed boat or dinghy.
colloquialtransportplaces
How it's used
Historically referring to small wooden boats used by the Tanka people, this term now primarily evokes a sense of nostalgia or tourism in Hong Kong. While once a common mode of transport for crossing harbors, it has been largely replaced by modern ferries and bridges. Today, you mostly see them in specific tourist spots like Aberdeen or Sai Kung.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
They took a sampan to the typhoon shelter to eat seafood.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term for a three-wheeled vehicle or other mainland boat types, as the pronunciation and specific cultural context of the boat in Hong Kong are quite distinct.
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.
