zaap6 fo3 pou2雜貨鋪杂货铺
Jyutpingzaap6 fo3 pou2
Yalejaahp fo póu
Definition
Grocery store, general store, or provision shop selling daily necessities and food.
colloquialshoppingplaces
How it's used
Modern Hong Kongers often use this term to refer to traditional, family-run neighborhood stores that sell a mix of dry goods, snacks, and household items. It carries a nostalgic feel, as these shops are increasingly being replaced by large supermarket chains like 百佳 or 惠康. When referring to a generic convenience store, people are more likely to use 便利店 instead.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
The grocery shop downstairs has closed down.
Do you know where there is still a grocery shop?
Related words
Common phrases
old-style grocery shop
neighborhood grocery shop
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a supermarket, which is a much larger, modern retail environment. Using this term for a large chain store will sound outdated or inaccurate to a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



