Tongue Tied
The languages, pronunciations and translations behind Hong Kong's street names
Lost in Translation
Hong Kong's map is written in two languages and countless compromises. Behind every street sign lies a story of translation, mistranslation, colonialism, superstition, and the struggle to make places legible across cultures.
Foreign Influence
Think Hong Kong’s street names are purely British? Think again. From Portuguese suburb creators and Indian regiments to Parsi pioneers and bizarre mistranslations, over 11% of non-Cantonese street names hide unexpected global roots. Discover the fascinating, multicultural secret history behind the signposts you walk past every day.