tou2 dei6 gung1土地公
Jyutpingtou2 dei6 gung1
Yaletóu deih gūng
Definition
Tutelary deity of a specific location in folk religion, personified as a male elder.
colloquialother
How it's used
People often refer to this deity simply as 土地公公 or 土地爺爺 to show a sense of familiarity and respect. You will frequently see small shrines dedicated to him at the entrance of older residential buildings or near village boundaries. He is considered the lowest-ranking deity in the celestial hierarchy, acting as a local administrator who keeps track of the people and affairs in his specific jurisdiction.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
There is a To Ti temple near here.
Remember to go pay respects to the Earth spirit for safety.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 土地公 with the Kitchen God, 灶君, who is specifically associated with the home hearth and family harmony. While both are household deities, their roles and the locations of their shrines are distinct.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
