tong4 lau4唐樓唐楼
Jyutpingtong4 lau4
Yaletòhng làuh
Definition
Tong lau; a traditional low-rise tenement house built in a Chinese style, typically without an elevator.
colloquialplaceshome
How it's used
Refers specifically to pre-war or early post-war low-rise buildings that lack modern amenities like elevators or security guards. These structures are iconic for their narrow, deep floor plans and the signature balcony known as a 騎樓 that overhangs the sidewalk. They are often associated with a sense of nostalgia and community, contrasting sharply with the modern high-rise apartments found in newer developments.
Measure word
tong4幢tònghExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 唐樓 with 洋樓, which refers to modern high-rise residential buildings that typically include elevators, lobbies, and security services.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
