saam1 hap6 tou2三合土
Jyutpingsaam1 hap6 tou2
Yalesāam hahp tóu
Definition
Concrete; a building material made by mixing cement, water, sand, and gravel.
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate used in construction. While technically accurate, many modern speakers simply use the loanword 石屎 to describe concrete in everyday life. Using the term suggests a slightly more technical or traditional context, often heard in construction or renovation settings.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
The concrete here isn't dry yet, don't walk over there.
The worker used a lot of concrete to level the floor.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 混凝土, which is the standard technical term used in formal written Chinese and in mainland China. Using 混凝土 in casual Hong Kong conversation might sound overly formal or academic.
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.
