Definition
弄堂 (lòngtáng) is the Shanghainese term for a narrow alley or lane lined with traditional houses, especially in Shanghai's old neighborhoods. It's a culturally specific word — English 'alley' doesn't capture the sense of community and daily life that 弄堂 evokes. In standard Mandarin, 弄堂 is often shortened to just 弄 (lòng) in place names, like 里弄 or 弄堂口.
n.
alleywaylane (especially in Shanghai's old residential neighborhoods)
Examples
- 弄堂。Shànghǎi de lǎo lòng lǐ yǒu hěn duō gùshì.There are many stories in Shanghai's old alleyways.
- 弄堂，。Zhè tiáo lòng hěn zhǎi, zhǐ néng zǒu yí gè rén.This alley is very narrow — only one person can walk through.
- 弄堂。Xiǎo shíhou wǒ cháng zài lòng lǐ hé xiǎo huǒbàn men wán.When I was little, I often played in the alley with my friends.
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