hei2 faai3起筷

Jyutpinghei2 faai3

Yalehéi faai

動詞

Definition

To raise one's chopsticks to start eating, especially at a formal meal or gathering.

colloquialfooddaily actions

How it's used

This phrase is a polite, formal way to invite others to begin a meal, often used by the host at a banquet or family dinner. It carries a sense of etiquette and respect, signaling that it is now appropriate for everyone to pick up their utensils. Using it shows you are mindful of traditional dining manners where one waits for the eldest or the host to initiate the meal.

Examples

daai6大gaa1家m4唔sai2使haak3客hei3氣，faai3快di1啲hei2起faai3筷laa1啦。

Don't be shy, everyone please start eating.

zoeng2長bui3輩mei6未hei2起faai3筷，ngo5我dei6哋dim2點hou2好ji3意si1思sik6食sin1先？

The elders haven't started eating yet, how can we start first?

Common phrases

ceng2請hei2起faai3筷

please start eating

Common mistake

Do not use this in casual, everyday settings with close friends or family, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. In a relaxed environment, simply saying 食飯喇 is much more natural.