juk6 baak6玉帛
Jyutpingjuk6 baak6
Yaleyuhk baahk
Definition
Jade and silk; traditionally used as gifts, often symbolising friendship, peace, or an alliance.
- jade and silk
- figurativefriendship; peace; an alliance
writtenother
How it's used
This term is a formal, literary idiom that carries a sophisticated, historical weight. It is almost exclusively used within the fixed expression 化干戈為玉帛, which describes the transition from conflict to peace. You will rarely hear it in casual, everyday conversation unless someone is making a deliberate, slightly poetic reference to diplomacy or conflict resolution.
Examples
The two companies finally reconciled and restored their friendship.
Both sides decided to turn swords into plowshares and stop fighting.
Related words
Common phrases
turn swords into plowshares
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe literal jade or silk items, as it only functions as a metaphorical reference to peace or diplomatic relations. Beginners often mistake it for a common noun for gifts, but it is strictly reserved for high level reconciliation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
