zi2 pei4 sek6紙皮石纸皮石
Jyutpingzi2 pei4 sek6
Yalejí pèih sehk
Definition
Mosaic tiles; small tiles affixed to a paper backing for easy installation on walls or floors.
colloquialhomeother
How it's used
The term literally translates to cardboard stone because these tiny tiles were historically supplied pre-arranged on sheets of paper for easier installation. While modern construction often uses mesh backing instead of paper, the name persists in everyday speech. It is a quintessential feature of older Hong Kong residential buildings from the mid-twentieth century.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
The mosaic tiles here are very old, I want to replace them all.
Is your house exterior still using mosaic tiles?
Common phrases
peeling mosaic tiles
to lay mosaic tiles
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a generic term for any tile, but it specifically refers to the small, square mosaic tiles found on building exteriors or older bathroom walls. Do not use it for floor tiles or large wall tiles.
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.
