daam1 faan1 maai5 seoi2擔幡買水担幡买水
Jyutpingdaam1 faan1 maai5 seoi2
Yaledāam fāan máaih séui
Definition
Funeral rituals of carrying the soul-guiding banner and buying water, traditionally performed by the eldest son.
colloquialfamilyother
How it's used
This phrase refers to two specific traditional funeral rituals performed by the eldest son: carrying the funeral banner and purchasing water for the ritual cleansing of the deceased. It carries a heavy cultural weight as it is considered the ultimate expression of filial piety. In modern Hong Kong, many families opt for simplified funeral services, making this traditional practice less common than in the past.
Examples
As the eldest son, he must be responsible for performing the funeral rites.
uk1屋kei2企jan4人waa6話soeng2想gaan2簡gaan2簡daan1單daan1單，m4唔sai2使daam1擔faan1幡maai5買seoi2水gam3咁fuk1複zaap6雜。
The family said they wanted it simple and didn't need the complex funeral rites.
Related words
Common phrases
to be responsible for the funeral rites
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe general funeral arrangements or mourning. It specifically refers to the ritual duties of the eldest son and is not a generic term for funeral rites.
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.
