hoeng1 lou4 dan2香爐𣎴香炉𣎴
Definition
An incense burner, or figuratively used to refer to an only son who carries on the ancestral line.
- an incense burner; a censer
- figurativethe only son in a family, responsible for continuing the family line
How it's used
Refers specifically to a male child who is the sole heir to the family line, carrying the metaphorical weight of continuing the ancestral incense offerings. The term carries a slightly cynical or critical undertone, often used when someone is perceived as being overly pampered or spoiled by their parents and grandparents. It is rarely used in a literal sense to describe an actual incense burner in modern daily speech.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal object used in temples, as the term is almost exclusively used as a metaphor for a spoiled only son in social contexts. Using it to describe a physical incense burner will likely confuse native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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.
