hoeng2 nin4享年
Jyutpinghoeng2 nin4
Yalehéung nìhn
Definition
To live to the age of; a respectful term used to state the age at which a deceased person died.
writtenpeopletime
How it's used
This term is strictly reserved for formal obituaries or respectful discussions about someone who has passed away. It carries a sense of dignity and reverence that is absent from plain descriptions of age. Using it for anyone who died young or in tragic circumstances can sound inappropriate or ironic.
Examples
His grandfather lived to be ninety, which is considered a long life.
How old was this elderly person when they passed away?
Related words
Common phrases
lived to the age of eighty
Common mistake
Avoid using this for anyone who is still alive, as it implies the person has already passed away. It is also not suitable for casual conversation about death; use more neutral phrasing like 過身 or 去咗 if you are not writing a formal announcement.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
