zaai6寨
Jyutpingzaai6
Yalejaaih
Definition
Stronghold; a simple encampment built for soldiers or bandits to gather and live.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Historically referring to fortified camps or bandit hideouts, this term is now most frequently encountered in the context of the Kowloon Walled City, known as 九龍城寨. It carries a strong connotation of being a lawless, crowded, or makeshift settlement rather than a formal military base. Modern usage is largely restricted to historical references or metaphorical descriptions of chaotic, dense living environments.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Are they hiding inside the encampment?
Related words
Common phrases
Kowloon Walled City
mountain stronghold; (slang) counterfeit or knock-off goods
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 宅, which refers to a residence or house. While both sound similar, 寨 implies a rugged, defensive, or illicit structure, whereas 宅 is neutral or formal.
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.
