tit3 maa5鐵馬铁马
Definition
(noun) Motor bike (usually refers to police's fleet)
How it's used
Originally referring to police motorcycles, the term has evolved to describe the interlocking metal crowd control barriers frequently seen on Hong Kong streets. When used for the barriers, it highlights their portable and temporary nature compared to permanent railings. Context is key, as the word shifts between the vehicle and the object depending on whether the speaker is discussing traffic enforcement or public event management.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term for a bicycle, which is also sometimes called a iron horse in other regions. In Hong Kong, using this to refer to a bicycle will cause confusion, as it almost exclusively refers to police vehicles or crowd control barriers.
Tone guide
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
