ji1 zi2衣紙衣纸
Jyutpingji1 zi2
Yaleyī jí
Definition
Joss paper; paper offerings made in the shape of clothes, or joss paper in general.
- paper-made offerings in the shape of clothes or fabric used for worship
- any kind of joss paper used as offerings for ancestors or deities
colloquialother
How it's used
Although literally referring to paper clothing, the term is frequently used as a collective noun for almost all paper offerings burned for the deceased. It is almost always paired with 金銀, forming the common phrase 金銀衣紙, which covers the entire spectrum of spiritual currency and paper goods. Using it in a casual context requires sensitivity, as it is strictly tied to ancestral worship and funeral rites.
Measure word
daap6疊daphExamples
Remember to buy some joss paper in advance for grave sweeping during the Ching Ming Festival.
Related words
Common phrases
gold, silver and paper offerings
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with actual clothing or fabric. It is exclusively for ritualistic burning, so using it to refer to real garments will cause significant confusion.
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.
