hoeng1 fo2香火
Jyutpinghoeng1 fo2
Yalehēung fó
Definition
Burning incense, candles, or paper offerings used in worship; figuratively, descendants or offspring.
- burning incense, candles, or paper offerings used in rites of worship
- figurativedescendants or offspring, particularly male heirs to carry on ancestral worship
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of burning incense, this term carries a strong cultural connotation regarding family continuity. It is frequently used to refer to the male line of descent, where having children is seen as ensuring the family's ancestral worship continues. When describing a temple, it indicates how active or popular the site is among devotees.
Examples
The incense here is very popular, many people come to worship.
Remember to help keep the incense burning.
Related words
Common phrases
flourishing incense (of a popular temple)
to continue the family line
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general word for incense sticks, which is 香. Using 香火 to describe a single stick of incense sounds unnatural and overly formal, as it specifically refers to the ongoing ritual fire or the metaphorical lineage.
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.
