saan2 ngan2散銀散银
Jyutpingsaan2 ngan2
Yalesáan ngán
Definition
Coins or loose change; low-denomination currency.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to physical coins rather than small denomination banknotes. It carries a slightly informal tone, often used when someone is checking their pockets or wallet for enough money to pay for a small item. It is very common to hear people ask to 唱散銀 when they need to break a large note for bus fare or vending machines.
Measure word
zaa6拃jahExamples
Do you still have any loose change in your pocket?
I took some loose change to buy a soda.
Related words
Common phrases
to break a note into coins
a handful of loose change
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 散紙, which is a broader term that can include small banknotes as well as coins. While they are often used interchangeably, 散銀 strictly emphasizes the metallic nature of the currency.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
