gei6 san4忌辰
Jyutpinggei6 san4
Yalegeih sàhn
Definition
The anniversary of someone's death, usually observed by their descendants.
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to the anniversary of a death, often carrying a formal or solemn tone. While it is used in casual conversation to coordinate family gatherings, it is not a word used to describe general anniversaries like birthdays or wedding anniversaries. It is deeply tied to traditional Chinese ancestral worship practices.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Today is my grandfather's death anniversary, the whole family is going back to pay respects.
Do you remember when his death anniversary is?
Related words
Common phrases
to pay respects on the death anniversary
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 生忌, which refers to the birthday of someone who has already passed away. Using 忌辰 for a birthday is incorrect and would be considered highly inappropriate.
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.
