zi2 sit3紙屑纸屑
Jyutpingzi2 sit3
Yalejí sit
Definition
Scraps of paper; small, shredded, or torn pieces of paper.
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How it's used
While 紙屑 is understood in written contexts, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 紙碎 in daily speech. The character 屑 is often associated with more formal or literary writing, whereas 碎 is the standard spoken term for anything broken into small pieces. Using 紙碎 sounds much more natural and less stiff in a casual conversation.
Measure word
deoi1堆dēuiExamples
There are lots of paper scraps on the floor, grab a broom and sweep it clean.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 屑 as a standalone word for small bits, but it is rarely used alone in spoken Cantonese. Always pair it with the noun you are describing, such as 紙碎 or 麵包碎, to avoid sounding unnatural.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
