tin1 zeng2天井

Jyutpingtin1 zeng2

Yaletīn jéng

名詞Uncommon

Definition

An open-air courtyard or atrium inside a building.

neutralhomeplaces

How it's used

Historically, this architectural feature was essential for ventilation and natural lighting in dense urban housing. While modern high-rises rarely feature them, you will frequently encounter the term when discussing older Tong Lau or traditional village houses. It serves as a vertical shaft that connects the interior of a building directly to the sky.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

le1呢gaan1間gau6舊lau2樓zung1中gaan1間jau5有go3個tin1天zeng2井。

There is an atrium in the middle of this old building.

nei5你mong6望haa5下go3個tin1天zeng2井，gin3見m4唔gin3見dou3到jau5有gwong1光se6射jap6入lai4嚟？

Look at the courtyard, can you see the light shining in?

Common phrases

tin1天zeng2井wai6位

the area of the atrium

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with a literal well for water, which is called 水井. Even though it contains the character for well, it refers specifically to the open-air space within a structure.