waang4 pai1橫批横批
Jyutpingwaang4 pai1
Yalewàahng pāi
Definition
The horizontal scroll or tablet hung above a pair of vertical poetic couplets.
neutralfestivalhome
How it's used
Traditionally displayed above a pair of vertical couplets, this serves as a thematic summary of the entire set. It is an essential component of festive decorations during Lunar New Year, often featuring four characters that convey a blessing or wish for the coming year.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
Remember to stick the horizontal scroll after you finish with the couplets.
Related words
Common phrases
to stick up a horizontal scroll
to write a horizontal scroll
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with the vertical couplets themselves, but it is strictly the horizontal piece that sits at the top center. It is not used as a standalone decoration without the accompanying vertical scrolls.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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).
