ting4 zi2 gaan1亭子間亭子间
Definition
A small, dark room in a traditional Shanghai-style house, typically located over the kitchen.
How it's used
This term is a loanword from Shanghainese culture describing a small, cramped room located above the kitchen or on the landing of a traditional stone gate house. It carries a strong historical connotation of poverty or humble beginnings in urban settings. You will rarely hear it used in modern Hong Kong housing contexts, as it is largely restricted to literary descriptions or historical accounts of old Shanghai.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard Cantonese word for any small room, but it is highly specific to a particular architectural style and historical period. Using it to describe a modern Hong Kong subdivided flat will sound confusing or overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
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.
