cau1 cim1抽籤抽签
Jyutpingcau1 cim1
Yalechāu chīm
Definition
To draw lots, either to divine fortunes or to make a decision or assignment.
- to draw lots at a temple to divine fortunes
- to draw lots to make a decision or assign tasks
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Beyond the religious context of seeking divine guidance at a temple, this term is frequently used in everyday life as a fair method to settle disputes or assign tasks. It implies a sense of impartiality, relying on luck rather than personal preference or negotiation. When used in a secular setting, it is often synonymous with random selection or a lucky draw.
Examples
Let's draw lots to decide who is responsible for washing the dishes.
Have you gone to the temple to draw a fortune stick for peace yet?
Related words
Common phrases
to decide by drawing lots
a drawing of lots ceremony
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the act of picking a name from a hat, which is more accurately described as 抽名. While 抽籤 can be used for any random selection, it carries a stronger connotation of a formal or ritualized process compared to simply picking a name.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
