cim1籤
Jyutpingcim1
Yalechīm
Definition
A bamboo slip inscribed with symbols or markers used for divination.
colloquialother
How it's used
Drawing these slips is a common cultural practice at temples where individuals seek guidance on personal matters like health or career. The process involves shaking a container until one slip falls out, which corresponds to a specific written prophecy. It is deeply tied to traditional folk religion and local temple culture in Hong Kong.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
It is very accurate to draw a lot at Wong Tai Sin during the New Year.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 簽, which refers to a signature or signing a document. While they share a similar sound in some contexts, they are distinct in meaning and usage.
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.
