wong4隍
Jyutpingwong4
Yalewòhng
Definition
Dry moat; a dry ditch around a city wall.
writtenplaces
How it's used
This term is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese and is mostly restricted to historical contexts or specific geographical descriptions. It specifically refers to a dry moat or ditch, distinguishing it from a water-filled moat which would be called 護城河. You will most commonly encounter it in the context of 城隍, referring to the City God who protects the city walls and moats.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This place used to be a dry moat, it was very deep.
Related words
Common phrases
City God
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for ditches like 坑 or 渠, but 隍 carries a specific historical or defensive connotation related to city fortifications.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
