pik1 ce4辟邪
Jyutpingpik1 ce4
Yalepīk chèh
Definition
To ward off evil spirits or bad luck.
colloquialother
How it's used
Often associated with traditional folk beliefs and superstitious practices, this term is frequently used when discussing lucky charms, talismans, or specific customs like burning incense or carrying certain objects. It carries a sense of spiritual protection rather than just avoiding bad luck in a secular sense. People might use it jokingly when referring to quirky habits or items that supposedly keep negative energy away.
Examples
He bought an ornament to bring home to ward off evil spirits.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply avoiding bad luck in a mundane sense, such as avoiding a black cat or not walking under a ladder, as those are usually described as 避開霉氣.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
