tou2 zong3土葬
Jyutpingtou2 zong3
Yaletóu jong
Definition
Burial; interment in the ground in a coffin.
neutralotherplaces
How it's used
土葬 is almost exclusively used in discussions regarding funeral arrangements and land scarcity in Hong Kong. Because burial plots are extremely limited and expensive, the term often carries a connotation of being a luxury or a logistical challenge rather than just a standard practice. It is distinct from 火葬, which is the overwhelmingly common practice in the city.
Examples
Land in Hong Kong is worth its weight in gold; it is really hard to find a spot for burial.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general terms for burying objects, as 土葬 specifically refers to the interment of human remains. Using it for burying items like toys or trash would be incorrect and sound quite morbid.
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.
