大廈
daai6 haa6
In Cantonese, the word for building is 大廈 (daai6 haa6).
大廈 refers to a closed structure with walls and a roof. It is most commonly used to describe large or significant buildings, such as high-rise towers, skyscrapers, office towers or large apartment complexes.
Meaning: closed structure with walls and a roof (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 大, meaning big and 廈, meaning a large building or mansion.
Which one should you use?
While 大廈 is used for large, significant structures, it is not used to describe small houses or single-story structures.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting buildings, specifically when using the word 大廈, the classifier 座 (zo6) is typically used.
How do you pronounce it?
daai6 haa6
Did you know?
- Cantonese speakers use the classifier 座 (zo6) for 大廈, which is the same classifier used for mountains, suggesting a building is viewed as a massive, immovable landmark.
- While 大廈 describes the whole structure, the word 樓 (lau4) is versatile enough to describe both the building itself and the specific floor levels within it.
- In Cantonese, the opposite of a high-rise 大廈 is often a 村屋, which specifically refers to a 'village house'.
Examples in context
- 架車泊咗喺座大廈前面。The car is parked in front of the building.This sentence shows how to describe a car parked in front of the 大廈.Tatoeba #612023 by nickyeow, translation #46840 by CK
- 香港中央大廈係一座好出名嘅商業大廈。Hong Kong Central Plaza is a well-known commercial skyscraper.
- 這座樓宇係香港政府大樓。This building is the Hong Kong government headquarters.
- 呢座大廈好高。ni1 zo6 daai6 haa6 hou2 gou1.This building is very tall.
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting up in the city.
- 志強 Chi Keung美玲，你而家喺邊座大廈？Mei Ling, nei ji gaa hai bin zo daai haa?Mei Ling, which building are you at right now?
- 美玲 Mei Ling我喺嗰座玻璃大廈下面。ngo hai go zo bo lei daai haa haa min.I am underneath that glass building.
- 志強 Chi Keung我見到喇，我行緊去搵你。ngo gin dou la, ngo haang gan heoi wan nei.I see it, I'm walking to find you.
- 美玲 Mei Ling好，我喺大門口等你。hou, ngo hai daai mun hau dang nei.Okay, I'll wait for you at the main entrance.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
