ming5 caau1冥鈔冥钞
Jyutpingming5 caau1
Yalemíhng chāau
Definition
Hell bank notes; paper money burned as an offering to the deceased.
colloquialmoneyfestival
How it's used
Often referred to as 陰司紙 or 溪錢 in daily life, this term is specifically used for paper offerings intended for the afterlife. It is considered disrespectful to treat these items carelessly, as they represent currency for spirits. People typically purchase them at specialized paper shops alongside other offerings like paper houses or cars.
Measure word
daap6疊daphExamples
Remember to buy extra joss paper to burn for your ancestors during the Ching Ming Festival.
These joss papers are printed to look just like real banknotes.
Related words
Common phrases
to burn joss paper
Common mistake
Avoid calling these 錢 or 銀紙, as those terms are reserved for real currency. Using the wrong term can sound insensitive or confusing to locals.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
