ci4祠
Jyutpingci4
Yalechìh
Definition
An ancestral hall, shrine, or temple built to honor ancestors, deities, or respected historical figures.
neutralplacesfamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to buildings dedicated to ancestral worship or historical figures, often found in rural villages or clan settings. Unlike general religious temples, it carries a strong connotation of lineage and family heritage. It is rarely used in modern urban settings unless referring to historical sites or clan halls.
Measure word
zo2座jóExamples
They went back to their hometown to pay respects to ancestors and visited the shrine to pray.
This shrine was built a long time ago and is a historical landmark in the village.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 廟, which is a general term for a temple dedicated to deities or spirits. A 祠 is almost always tied to ancestral veneration or a specific person's legacy, whereas a 廟 is for religious worship.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
