bou2 zi2補子补子
Jyutpingbou2 zi2
Yalebóu jí
Definition
Mandarin square; an embroidered rank badge sewn onto the surcoat of an official in imperial China.
neutralclothingother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the square embroidered patches worn on the chest and back of Ming and Qing dynasty official robes. These badges were strictly regulated and served as visual indicators of an official's civil or military rank. While historical in nature, the term is frequently encountered in discussions about traditional Chinese costume, museum exhibits, or period dramas.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There is a mandarin square embroidered on this official robe.
Do you know what official rank this mandarin square represents?
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
