The generic forms of Hong Kong place names are mainly Cantonese, Hakka and British English, although other languages also contribute to Hong Kong place names. The majority of generic forms are suffix such as Chung in Kwai Chung. Some indicators of ordering and direction could be as prefixes, for example, Tai Pai (大白, lit. first white), Yi Pai (二白, second white). Change in name It is common that Cantonese place names change Chinese characters of similar pronunciation because of misinterpretation by mandarins or visitors from foreign villages and cities, illiteracy of local villages, seeking of good fortune and replace of disgusting meanings. List of generic names Indigenous English Most common Chinese translation in brackets. Modern Most common Chinese translation in brackets. Centre (中心) Court (苑) Estate (邨) Plaza (廣場) Shopping centre (商場) See also Origins of names of cities and towns in Hong Kong List of generic forms in place names in Great Britain and Ireland References Hong Kong, Place names of Place name etymologies Lists of place name etymologies