baak6 gam1帛金
Jyutpingbaak6 gam1
Yalebaahk gām
Definition
Condolence money; a traditional money gift given to the family of the deceased at a funeral.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
The amount of money inside the envelope typically ends in an odd number, such as 101 or 501, because even numbers are associated with celebrations. It is customary to add a one dollar coin to the total to ensure the final digit is odd. Unlike wedding gifts, this money is strictly intended to help the bereaved family cover funeral expenses.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
Remember to prepare the condolence money for the funeral tomorrow.
Related words
Common phrases
to give a condolence money gift
to offer condolence money
Common mistake
Never give an even amount of money, as this is considered highly inappropriate and disrespectful to the grieving family. Additionally, avoid using red envelopes, as those are reserved for joyous occasions; use white or plain envelopes instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
