jam1 lik6陰曆阴历
Definition
The lunar calendar; also used as a name for the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.
- lunar calendar
- the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar
How it's used
While often used interchangeably with 農曆 in casual conversation, technically 陰曆 refers strictly to a calendar based solely on lunar cycles, like the Islamic calendar. In Hong Kong, people frequently use 陰曆 to refer to the traditional Chinese calendar, even though that is technically a lunisolar system. It is perfectly acceptable to use it in daily life, but be aware that it lacks the precision of the term 農曆 when discussing agricultural or traditional festival timing.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in academic or scientific contexts where the distinction between a pure lunar calendar and a lunisolar calendar is critical. Using it to describe the Chinese calendar is common, but it is technically a misnomer.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
