ceng2 haak3請客请客
Jyutpingceng2 haak3
Yalechéng haak
Definition
To invite someone to a meal, or to treat someone and pay for their meal.
colloquialfoodpeople
How it's used
Using this term implies you are taking on the financial responsibility for the entire meal, not just your own share. While it is common to use this when you are the host, it is also frequently used when you simply want to be generous after a meal. It carries a sense of social obligation or hospitality that goes beyond just paying the bill.
Examples
I'm treating tonight, what do you all want to eat?
He loves treating people, he always takes us out for good food.
Related words
Common phrases
it is my turn to treat
to treat generously
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the general act of inviting someone to an event. While it can mean inviting, it specifically carries the connotation of paying for the food, so avoid using it if you are just asking someone to join you for a meal where everyone pays for themselves.
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.
