zi6 zi2 lau5字紙簍字纸篓
Definition
A wastepaper basket, historically used specifically for collecting written paper for respectful burning.
- historically, a basket used to collect written paper for burning out of respect
- a modern wastepaper basket, typically used for dry, odorless trash
How it's used
Historically, this term reflects the deep cultural reverence for the written word, where paper with characters was considered sacred and required ritual disposal rather than being treated as common trash. In modern usage, it has largely evolved into a formal or slightly old fashioned synonym for a standard wastebasket. While you will still see it used in some contexts, most people simply use 垃圾桶 for everyday waste.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for any trash can, but it specifically implies a container for paper or dry waste. Using it to describe a bin for food scraps or wet garbage would sound very strange to a native speaker.
Grammar color guide
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.
