lap1 san4粒臣
Jyutpinglap1 san4
Yalelāp sàhn
Definition
An old slang term for a ten-cent coin during the Republic of China period.
datedmoney
How it's used
Originating from the English word "ten cents," this term reflects the historical influence of colonial currency on local Cantonese slang. It is now largely archaic and primarily used by older generations or in historical contexts to describe small change. Modern speakers almost exclusively use 毫子 to refer to a ten-cent coin.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
This bread costs twenty cents.
Do you still have any ten-cent coins for change?
Related words
Common phrases
a few ten-cent coins
Common mistake
Learners should avoid using this in modern commercial settings as it will not be understood by younger shopkeepers. It is strictly a historical term and carries a nostalgic or dated tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
