fu4 seoi2符水
Jyutpingfu4 seoi2
Yalefùh séui
Definition
Talisman water; water mixed with the ashes of a burnt Taoist amulet, believed to have healing or protective powers.
colloquialpeoplehealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to water mixed with the ashes of burned paper charms, often associated with traditional folk religious practices in temples. It is viewed with skepticism by many modern Hong Kongers, so using the term often implies a sense of superstition or old-fashioned belief. It is rarely used in a neutral or scientific context.
Measure word
bui1杯būiExamples
Do you really believe that drinking holy water will make you better?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with holy water used in Christian contexts, which is usually referred to as 聖水. Using 符水 to describe Christian holy water would be culturally inappropriate and inaccurate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
