cek3 hau2赤口
Jyutpingcek3 hau2
Yalechek háu
Definition
The third day of the Lunar New Year, traditionally considered an inauspicious day prone to arguments and quarrels.
colloquialfestivaltime
How it's used
Traditionally, people avoid visiting relatives or friends on this day to prevent unnecessary conflict. It serves as a cultural break during the busy Lunar New Year period, allowing families to rest after the initial festivities. Modern urbanites often use it as a convenient excuse to stay home and avoid social obligations.
Examples
Today is the third day of the Lunar New Year, let's stay home and not go out for visits.
Tomorrow is the third day of the Lunar New Year, be careful with your words and don't get into an argument with anyone.
Related words
Common phrases
the day of Chek-hau
do not visit on the third day of the Lunar New Year
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with a literal injury or a physical wound, but it specifically refers to the third day of the Lunar New Year and the superstition surrounding it.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
