to1 sou1拖蘇拖苏
Jyutpingto1 sou1
Yaletō sōu
Definition
Extension socket; power strip.
colloquialhometechnology
How it's used
Derived from the English word "tousle" or "toss" in early colonial trade contexts, this term is the standard way to refer to a power strip in Hong Kong. It is strictly a colloquial term used in daily life, whereas written or formal contexts would use the term 拖板. Using it helps you sound like a local when shopping for electronics or setting up your home office.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The extension socket at home doesn't have enough slots, I need to buy a new one.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 拖鞋, which refers to slippers. While both start with 拖, they are completely unrelated in meaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
