bou1 laap6煲蠟煲蜡
Jyutpingbou1 laap6
Yalebōu laahp
Definition
To melt and burn wax candles in a metal container as a dangerous game, traditionally done during Mid-Autumn Festival.
colloquialfestivalother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the dangerous practice of melting candle wax in containers, often resulting in large flames or explosions when water is added. It is strongly associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival in the past, though it is now widely considered illegal and socially irresponsible due to the high risk of severe burns and fire hazards. The term carries a negative connotation today and is frequently used in public safety warnings.
Examples
When I was a kid, we often went to the park to boil wax during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Do you know that boiling wax is very dangerous? You could burn someone at any moment.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply lighting candles for decoration or lantern play, which is safe and traditional. Using this term implies the specific, prohibited act of melting wax in bulk.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
