ling4 wai2靈位灵位
Jyutpingling4 wai2
Yalelìhng wái
Definition
Spirit tablet; a wooden or stone placard used to worship deities or ancestors.
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How it's used
This term is specifically associated with ancestral worship and traditional funeral rites. It carries a solemn and respectful tone, as it represents the presence of the deceased within the home or a columbarium. Using it in casual conversation requires sensitivity to the cultural importance of honoring ancestors.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The family has a spirit tablet for their ancestors enshrined in the living room.
Do you know where one can buy a spirit tablet?
Related words
Common phrases
ancestral spirit tablet
to enshrine a spirit tablet
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with a gravestone or tombstone. While both are related to the dead, a 靈位 is specifically for the spirit to reside in for worship, whereas a 墓碑 is the physical marker at a burial site.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
