dung1 naam4 sai1 bak1東南西北东南西北
Jyutpingdung1 naam4 sai1 bak1
Yaledūng nàahm sāi bāk
Definition
A paper fortune teller or cootie catcher origami toy used in children's games.
colloquialother
How it's used
This term refers specifically to the origami toy rather than the cardinal directions themselves. It is a nostalgic childhood staple in Hong Kong, often used to write dares or funny tasks inside for friends to perform. The name comes from the four directions written on the outer flaps.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
When we were little, we often folded paper fortune tellers to play with.
Do you remember how to fold a paper fortune teller?
Related words
Common phrases
to fold a paper fortune teller
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal directions, which are also called 東南西北. Context usually makes it clear whether you are talking about navigation or a childhood game.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
