hoi1 lo4開鑼开锣
Jyutpinghoi1 lo4
Yalehōi lòh
Definition
To start a series of activities or an event that will last for a period of time.
colloquialtimeother
How it's used
Originally referring to the striking of a gong to signal the start of a traditional Chinese opera performance, this term has evolved into a common way to describe the commencement of large scale events. It carries a sense of fanfare and public anticipation, making it more dramatic than simply saying 開始. It is frequently used in news reports or formal announcements regarding festivals, exhibitions, or major sports tournaments.
Examples
The summer activities officially kick off today.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for mundane or personal activities like starting a meal or beginning a homework assignment, as it implies a public or organized event.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
