zi2 paai2紙牌纸牌

Jyutpingzi2 paai2

Yalejí páai

名詞

Definition

Playing cards, or a sign made of cardboard.

playing cards
a card or sign made of cardboard

colloquialdaily actions

How it's used

While 紙牌 is a standard term for playing cards, most locals prefer using the loanword 啤牌 in casual conversation. The term 紙牌 can sometimes sound slightly more formal or refer to generic cardboard cards rather than specifically a deck for gambling or games. Using 啤牌 ensures you sound like a native speaker when discussing card games.

Measure word

fu3副fu

Examples

ngo5我dei6哋gam1今maan5晚jat1一cai4齊wun6玩zi2紙paai2牌hou2好m4唔hou2好？

Shall we play cards together tonight?

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日dou1都gwaa3掛zyu6住wun6玩zi2紙paai2牌，m4唔zou6做gung1功fo3課。

He is always busy playing cards and doesn't do his homework.

Common phrases

wun6玩zi2紙paai2牌

to play cards

jat1一fu3副zi2紙paai2牌

a deck of cards

Common mistake

Do not confuse 紙牌 with 牌 which is a very broad term that can refer to mahjong tiles or even a license plate. If you want to be specific about a deck of cards, always use 啤牌 or 紙牌 to avoid ambiguity.