baai3拜
Jyutpingbaai3
Yalebaai
Definition
To worship, pay respect to, or make offerings to ancestors or deities.
colloquialfestivaldaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of paying respects through bowing or offering incense to ancestors, deities, or even graves. It carries a strong cultural weight, often involving specific rituals like burning joss paper or offering food. When used in the context of visiting graves, it is colloquially referred to as 拜山.
Examples
Many people go to visit graves during the Ching Ming Festival.
Did you go to worship the gods today?
Related words
Common phrases
to visit graves
to worship the gods
to pay a New Year visit
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English word 'worship' in a purely religious sense, as 拜 is deeply tied to traditional Chinese ancestor veneration and folk religion rather than just organized faith.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
