There are two Chinese translations for the word 'Cambridge': Jian Qiao and Kang Qiao. The general public usually uses the former, while the latter was preferred by the renowned Chinese poet Xu Zhimo in his immortal poem, Farewell Cambridge.
Interestingly, the Chinese name for Cambridge House, which is to open in Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay in 2003, uses Xu's translation, and not the usual translation.
One might think that the Xu version is used for Cambridge House because it is more poetic, or because the person giving the building its name is a great admirer of Xu.
We called up the developer to find the answer for you. The translation of Kang Qiao was, in fact, chosen for neither of those reasons, according to a spokersperson for the development.
The actual reason cannot be simpler: Xu's version avoids possible confusion with other buildings and places that carry the more common name. They also felt that Xu's version is more resonant when spoken loudly.
Queenie Lau is a summer intern at Young Post, and is studying law at Trinity College, Cambridge