kai1 cin4溪錢溪钱
Jyutpingkai1 cin4
Yalekāi chìhn
Definition
A type of joss paper representing low-denomination hell bank money, often scattered on roads for homeless ghosts.
colloquialother
How it's used
Associated primarily with funeral rites and ghost festivals, these paper offerings serve as small change for wandering spirits. Unlike larger denominations of joss paper meant for ancestors, these are specifically intended to appease restless ghosts encountered during roadside ceremonies. They are rarely burned in a container but are instead scattered directly onto the ground.
Measure word
daap6疊daphExamples
The master told me to scatter some paper coins at the intersection.
How many stacks of paper coins did you buy for the ritual?
Related words
Common phrases
to scatter paper coins
Common mistake
Do not confuse these with gold or silver foil paper used for ancestors or deities, as they serve a completely different ritual purpose and are considered low value in the afterlife.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
