hei2 giu2起轎起轿
Jyutpinghei2 giu2
Yalehéi gíu
Definition
To lift up a sedan chair when setting off, or to set off on a journey.
colloquialtraveldaily actions
How it's used
Originally referring to the physical act of lifting a traditional sedan chair, this expression has evolved into a metaphorical way to describe starting a journey or heading out. It carries a slightly dramatic or formal flair, often used when someone is preparing to leave for an important event or a long trip. Using it for a mundane trip to the grocery store would sound humorous or overly theatrical.
Examples
The auspicious time has arrived, get ready to set off.
What time are they actually setting off?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of lifting furniture or heavy objects, as it specifically implies the beginning of a journey or a formal departure. It is not a general-purpose verb for 'to lift' or 'to raise'.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
