wong4 zi2 hing1 dai6黃紙兄弟黄纸兄弟
Jyutpingwong4 zi2 hing1 dai6
Yalewòhng jí hīng daih
Definition
Sworn brothers; close friends who have made a formal pact of brotherhood.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Refers to a traditional ritual involving burning yellow paper to formalize a brotherhood bond, though today it is often used loosely to describe very close, lifelong friends. It carries a sense of loyalty and shared history that goes beyond casual friendship. While the ritual itself is rare in modern urban life, the term remains a common way to emphasize a deep, almost familial connection.
Examples
The two of them became sworn brothers when they were very young.
Related words
Common phrases
to become sworn brothers
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 兄弟, which is a general term for brothers or male friends. Using this term implies a specific, solemn, and historical type of bond that is much stronger than just being buddies.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
