閣樓
gok3 lau2
The English phrase "attic" is translated into Cantonese as 閣樓 (gok3 lau2).
閣樓 is used to refer to a storage space located directly under a roof, as well as to a small, elevated room or loft-like living space.
Meaning: space directly below the roof (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 閣 (gok3), which means a pavilion or upper room and 樓 (lau2), meaning a multi-story building or floor.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is gok3 lau2.
Did you know?
- The character 閣 originally referred to a high, open-sided building used for viewing scenery, reflecting a history of luxury and leisure.
- In Hong Kong, 閣樓 often refers to 'loft apartments' created by splitting a high-ceilinged industrial unit, rather than a traditional attic in a house.
- In legal or real estate contexts in Hong Kong, 閣樓 spaces are often subject to strict zoning laws because they are frequently built illegally as extra living quarters.
Examples in context
- 佢喺閣樓放咗好多舊書。keoi5 hai2 gok3 lau4 fong3 zo2 hou2 do1 gu6 syu1.He put a lot of old books in the attic.
- 個閣樓好矮，要低頭行。go3 gok3 lau4 hou2 ai2, jiu3 dai1 tau4 haang4.The attic is very low, you have to walk with your head down.
- 我哋可以喺閣樓整間客房。ngo5 dei6 ho2 ji5 hai2 gok3 lau4 zing2 gaan1 haak3 fong2.We can make a guest room in the attic.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing where to store boxes in their house.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan子健，啲箱放喺邊好？zi2 gin6, di1 soeng1 fong3 hai2 bin1 hou2?Zi Jian, where should we put the boxes?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我諗放喺閣樓就得。ngo5 nam2 fong3 hai2 gok3 lau2 zau6 dak1.I think putting them in the attic will work.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan但係閣樓好亂呀。daan6 si6 gok3 lau2 hou2 lyun6 aa3.But the attic is very messy.
- 子健 Tsz Kin咁我哋一齊執好佢。gam2 ngo5 dei6 jat1 cai4 zap1 hou2 keoi5.Then let's tidy it up together.
