gwai6 wai2 maau1櫃位貓柜位猫
Jyutpinggwai6 wai2 maau1
Yalegwaih wái māau
Definition
Lucky cat or fortune cat (Maneki-neko) placed on shop counters.
colloquialshoppingother
How it's used
This term specifically refers to the beckoning cat figurines often seen in retail stores or restaurants to attract customers. While many people simply use the Japanese loanword 招財貓, 櫃位貓 is a descriptive local term highlighting its typical placement on a counter or service desk. It carries a slightly more functional or pragmatic nuance compared to the more common name.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a lucky cat placed at the shop entrance.
Related words
Common phrases
to display a lucky cat
to buy a lucky cat
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with actual cats or pets, as the term is strictly for the inanimate decorative figurine. Using it to describe a real cat sitting on a counter would be confusing and incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
