荷包
ho⁴ baau¹
The Cantonese phrase for wallet is 荷包 (ho⁴ baau¹). Wiktionary also lists 銀包 / 银包 (ngan⁴ baau¹) and 錢包 / 钱包.
Meaning: case for keeping money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 荷包 | ho⁴ baau¹ |
| 銀包 / 银包 | ngan⁴ baau¹ |
| 錢包 / 钱包 | |
| 錢袋 / 钱袋 |
The terms used for a wallet in Cantonese vary based on whether you are referring to a modern slim wallet, a traditional small pouch or a large sack for carrying money.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 銀包 literally means silver bag, while 錢包 literally means money bag.
Which one should you use?
銀包 is the most common term for a modern, slim wallet used for cards and cash. In contrast, 荷包 often refers to a smaller, traditional drawstring pouch or a small coin purse. Finally, 錢袋 is typically used to refer to a larger bag or sack used for carrying money rather than a personal wallet.
How do you pronounce it?
ho⁴ baau¹
Did you know?
- The word 荷包 refers not only to a wallet but also to the 'lotus pod' of a lotus flower. The two are linked because the seed pod resembles the shape of a traditional drawstring purse.
- Traditional Cantonese culture once used 荷包 to describe scented sachets filled with herbs or perfumes worn on the belt, rather than just for money.
- In Cantonese, the word for wallet 銀包 shares its first character with 'silver'. This reflects a historical era when silver bullion or coins were the primary currency before paper money became standard.
Examples in context
- 呢個荷包好靚。ni1 go3 ho4 baau1 hou2 leng3.This wallet is very pretty.
- 我唔記得帶荷包。ngo5 m4 gei3 dak1 daai3 ho4 baau1.I forgot to bring my wallet.
- 佢嘅荷包喺枱上面。keoi5 ge3 ho4 baau1 hai2 toi2 soeng6 min6.His wallet is on the table.
Example conversation
In a cafe, Hiu Tung realizes she cannot pay.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung志強，我唔記得帶荷包。zi3 koeng4, ngo5 m4 gei3 dak1 daai3 ho4 baau1.Chai Keung, I forgot to bring my wallet.
- 志強 Chi Keung唔緊要，我幫你畀錢。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 bong1 nei5 bei2 cin2.It's okay, I will pay for you.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung真係唔該晒你。zan1 hai6 m4 goi1 saai3 nei5.Thank you so much.
- 志強 Chi Keung唔使客氣。m4 sai2 haak3 hei3.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallet” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
