taam3 gaam1探監探监
Jyutpingtaam3 gaam1
Yaletaam gāam
Definition
To visit an inmate in prison, often bringing toiletries, stationery, or snacks.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Carrying items for inmates is a core part of the experience, as visitors often bring approved snacks, stationery, or toiletries. The process is strictly regulated, and visitors must register in advance to ensure they are on the approved list for the specific inmate. It is a sensitive topic, so it is usually discussed with a serious or empathetic tone.
Examples
He has to go visit someone in prison next week.
When are you free to go with me to visit the prison?
Related words
Common phrases
go to visit a prisoner
visiting hours for prison
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 探病, which is specifically for visiting someone in a hospital. Using 探監 for a hospital visit would sound very strange and potentially alarming to the listener.
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.
