hei2 si6喜事
Jyutpinghei2 si6
Yalehéi sih
Definition
A happy, major occasion such as a wedding, a newborn, an elderly person's milestone birthday, or a grand opening.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to significant life milestones that warrant a celebration or gathering, rather than just any happy event. It is most commonly associated with weddings, which is why the phrase 辦喜事 is frequently used as a shorthand for getting married. When someone asks if you are going to 辦喜事, they are almost certainly asking about your wedding plans.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
There has been a happy occasion in the family recently, and everyone is very happy.
Related words
Common phrases
two happy events happening at once
Common mistake
Do not use this for minor personal achievements like passing an exam or getting a promotion. It is reserved for major family or life events that involve social rituals or celebrations.
Grammar color guide
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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.
