zaam2 gai1 tau4 siu1 wong4 zi2斬雞頭燒黄紙斩鸡头烧黄纸
Jyutpingzaam2 gai1 tau4 siu1 wong4 zi2
Yalejám gāi tàuh sīu wòngh jí
Definition
To swear an oath and become sworn brothers (colloquial)
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This idiom refers to a traditional ritual involving animal sacrifice and burning yellow paper to seal a pact of brotherhood. It carries a strong sense of historical, triad-related, or dramatic flair, often used to describe deep bonds formed in a rough or unconventional way. Using it today usually implies a sense of irony or nostalgia for old-school loyalty.
Related words
Common phrases
zaam2 gai1 tau4
斬雞頭
to behead a chicken (as part of an oath)
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe modern, casual friendships. It is specifically reserved for formal, solemn, or dramatic oaths of brotherhood, and using it for a regular friend will sound bizarrely intense or theatrical.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
