Chinese edit

cool; fresh; to cool
 
(bright) colour; variety; applause
(bright) colour; variety; applause; applaud; (lottery) prize
trad. (凊彩)
simp. #(凊彩)
alternative forms

Etymology edit

Uncertain. Here are a few possibilities:

  • 凊彩: From (“cold”) + (“good”) — “not good enough” > “cannot choose”.
  • 靘彩: literally “dark or colourful” — it doesn't matter which you choose.

Folk etymologists often claim 請裁, shortened from 裁決 (“please decide”). This is phonologically unlikely.

Pronunciation edit


Note: cêng3 cai2 - Jieyang.

Adjective edit

凊彩

  1. (Hokkien) any; whichever
  2. (Hokkien) casual; easygoing
  3. (Xiamen, Quanzhou and Taiwanese Hokkien) careless; irresponsible

Adverb edit

凊彩

  1. (Southern Min) casually; informally

Synonyms edit

Descendants edit

  • Indonesian: cincai
  • Malay: cincai, cingcai

References edit