zi6 zi2字紙字纸
Jyutpingzi6 zi2
Yalejih jí
Definition
Waste paper with writing or print on it.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Historically, this term reflects a cultural respect for written characters, where people were taught not to discard paper with text carelessly. In modern usage, it specifically refers to scrap paper or waste paper that has already been printed or written on, distinguishing it from clean, blank paper. It is often used in the context of cleaning up or organizing a workspace.
Measure word
daap6疊daphExamples
All these waste papers with text need to be taken for recycling.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general paper, but it specifically implies the paper has content on it. Do not use it for blank sheets or notebooks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
