saan2 zi2散紙散纸
Jyutpingsaan2 zi2
Yalesáan jí
Definition
Small notes of low denomination, sometimes including coins or loose change.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Refers primarily to small denomination paper notes, though it is frequently used interchangeably with coins in casual speech. It carries a slightly more informal tone than the more precise term 碎銀. People often use it when specifically asking for change to pay for small items like bus fares or snacks.
Measure word
daap6沓daphExamples
Do you still have any small change in your pocket?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to large amounts of cash or high-value banknotes, as it specifically highlights the small, fragmented nature of the money. Using it for a large sum sounds unnatural and confusing.
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.
