sing4 kyut3城闕城阙
Jyutpingsing4 kyut3
Yalesìhng kyut
Definition
The watchtower on a city gate.
writtenplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to the defensive towers or gatehouses found on the walls of ancient Chinese cities. It is a literary term that appears almost exclusively in historical contexts, poetry, or period dramas rather than in descriptions of modern urban architecture. Using it to describe a modern skyscraper or building would sound highly incongruous and archaic.
Measure word
zo2座jóExamples
You always see watch towers in period dramas.
This city gate tower has a very long history.
Related words
Common phrases
lofty and imposing city gate tower
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for any tall building or tower. It is strictly tied to the architectural features of traditional walled cities and is not a functional word for modern construction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
