jin1 si2煙屎烟屎
Jyutpingjin1 si2
Yaleyīn sí
Definition
The ace in playing cards.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originating from the English word ace, this term is exclusively used in the context of card games. It is the standard way to refer to the card marked with an A in Hong Kong, whereas the Mandarin term 老K or A is rarely used in this specific sense. While it sounds like it might relate to smoking or dirt, it is purely a phonetic loanword adapted for local gaming culture.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
He was so lucky that he drew four aces.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with slang terms for body waste or dirt, as the pronunciation is identical to 煙屎 meaning cigarette ash or earwax. Context is everything, so ensure you are clearly talking about cards to avoid confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
