tit3 coeng1鐵窗铁窗
Jyutpingtit3 coeng1
Yaletit chēung
Definition
An iron window frame; by extension, prison or jail.
- iron window frame
- figurativeprison; jail
colloquialhomeother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a metal window frame, this term is a common euphemism for prison. It functions similarly to the English expression behind bars, evoking the image of a cell window to describe incarceration. You will often hear it used in news reports or dramatic storytelling to avoid saying the more direct word for jail.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
These old-style iron window frames rust very easily.
Related words
Common phrases
life behind bars
to be sent back to prison
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe modern aluminum windows, which are standard in most newer Hong Kong apartments. Using it for anything other than old-fashioned metal frames or the metaphorical prison context will sound confusing or outdated.
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.
