zi2 cin4紙錢纸钱
Definition
Ceremonial paper money burnt as an offering to ancestors, spirits, or deities in East Asian culture.
How it's used
Burning paper money is a deeply ingrained ritual practice, often referred to colloquially as 燒街衣 when done for wandering spirits on the roadside. While 紙錢 is the general term, people often use more specific names like 金銀 or 冥幣 depending on the exact type of paper being offered. It is considered a respectful act of filial piety, and the quality and quantity of the paper are often seen as a reflection of the family's sincerity.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using the term 紙錢 in casual conversation outside of ritual contexts, as it is strictly associated with death and the afterlife. It is considered highly inappropriate to use this term to refer to actual currency or to joke about money in this way.
Grammar color guide
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.
