冥币
míng bì
Yin money · trad. 冥幣
冥币 (míngbì), often translated as 'yin money,' 'joss paper,' or 'ghost money,' refers to a type of currency made from paper that is burned as an offering to ancestors or deities in traditional Chinese folk religion and Taoism. It's believed to be used by the deceased in the afterlife.
When to use it
This term is specific to cultural and religious practices. It's not used in everyday financial contexts. When discussing it, it's important to understand its ritualistic purpose. There's no direct 'reply' to it, as it's an object, not a greeting or statement.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'MING-bee.' Both syllables are falling tones (fourth tone).
Other ways to say it
- 纸钱zhǐ qiánpaper money (general term for joss paper)
- 烧纸shāo zhǐburn paper (the act of burning joss paper)
- 冥钞míng chāounderworld bank notes (often designed to resemble real currency)
Examples
人们在清明节烧冥币祭祖。
rén men zài qīng míng jié shāo míng bì jì zǔ 。
People burn yin money to honor ancestors during the Qingming Festival.
他买了一些冥币去祭拜。
tā mǎi le yì xiē míng bì qù jì bài 。
He bought some yin money to make offerings.
这种冥币看起来像真钱。
zhè zhǒng míng bì kàn qǐ lái xiàng zhēn qián 。
This kind of yin money looks like real money.
Pro tip: It's crucial to remember that 冥币 is purely for ritualistic offerings and holds no monetary value in the living world. Never attempt to use it as real currency.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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