faa1 kei4花旗
Jyutpingfaa1 kei4
Yalefā kèih
Definition
The national flag of the United States, or an abbreviation for Citibank.
- the Stars and Stripes (the United States national flag)
- proper nounCitibank
colloquialmoneyplaces
How it's used
Historically, this term originated from the appearance of the American flag, which early Chinese traders described as a flower flag. While it is still the standard abbreviation for Citibank, using it to refer to the United States itself is becoming dated and is mostly found in older literature or specific business contexts. Modern speakers almost exclusively use 美國 to refer to the country.
Examples
He works at Citibank.
When are you going to travel to the US?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the country in casual conversation, as it sounds like you are reading a historical novel. Stick to 美國 for the country and reserve 花旗 strictly for the bank name.
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.
