hei2 sai6起誓

Jyutpinghei2 sai6

Yalehéi saih

動詞Rare

Definition

To take an oath, vow, or pledge solemnly to do something or to guarantee a fact.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This term carries a heavy, formal weight that feels out of place in casual conversation. It is typically reserved for serious life commitments or dramatic declarations of intent. Using it in trivial situations often sounds sarcastic or overly theatrical.

Examples

keoi5佢deoi3對zyu6住go3個tin1天hei2起sai6誓，waa6話jat1一ding6定wui5會goi2改gwo3過。

He swore to the heavens that he would definitely turn over a new leaf.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使hei2起sai6誓gam3咁daai6大zan6陣zoeng6仗aa4呀？

Do you really need to make such a big deal out of it by swearing an oath?

Common phrases

deoi3對tin1天hei2起sai6誓

to swear to the heavens

jim4嚴suk1肅hei2起sai6誓

to take a solemn oath

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 發誓, which is the more common, everyday way to say swear or make a vow. 起誓 sounds much more solemn and ritualistic than the standard 發誓.