co5 je2坐夜
Jyutpingco5 je2
Yalechóh yé
Definition
To hold an overnight vigil for a deceased relative, or formerly, to serve or accompany someone overnight.
- to hold an overnight vigil at the funeral parlor the night before a funeral
- archaicto serve or accompany someone overnight
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the tradition of family members staying overnight at a funeral hall to watch over the deceased before the funeral. The secondary meaning of staying up to accompany someone is now largely archaic and rarely heard in modern daily speech. It carries a somber and respectful tone associated with mourning rituals.
Examples
His family member passed away, so he has to keep vigil at the funeral hall overnight.
Related words
Common phrases
keep vigil at the funeral hall
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with staying up late for leisure or work, which is usually described as 捱夜 or 熬夜. Using 坐夜 in a non-funeral context will sound confusing or highly unusual to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
