tong4塘
Jyutpingtong4
Yaletòhng
Definition
A pool or pond, especially a man-made one.
colloquialnatureplaces
How it's used
Refers primarily to artificial bodies of water rather than natural lakes. It is frequently used in compound words like 水塘 for reservoirs or fish farming contexts such as 魚塘. While it can describe a small garden pond, it is rarely used for large natural bodies of water.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There is a very large lotus pond inside the park.
Do you know where this reservoir is?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 湖 which refers to a natural lake. Using 塘 for a large natural lake sounds unnatural as it implies a man-made structure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
