siu1 wong4 zi2燒黃紙烧黄纸
Jyutpingsiu1 wong4 zi2
Yalesīu wòhng jí
Definition
To swear an oath of alliance or brotherhood by burning yellow paper.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers to a traditional ritual involving burning yellow paper to formalize a bond of brotherhood. While it carries a sense of historical gravity and loyalty, it is often used today in a slightly dramatic or humorous way to describe people who have become inseparable friends. It implies a level of commitment that goes beyond casual friendship.
Examples
The two of them swore an oath to be brothers in the past.
Are you two planning to swear an oath to become brothers?
Related words
Common phrases
to swear an oath to become brothers
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal paper burning for religious or funeral purposes. It is specifically used for the act of swearing an oath of brotherhood.
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.
