jat1 jyun4 fuk6 ci2一元復始一元复始
Jyutpingjat1 jyun4 fuk6 ci2
Yaleyāt yùhn fuhk chí
Definition
The beginning of a new year or a fresh start.
writtentimefestival
How it's used
Carries a formal and literary tone, often appearing in written greetings, banners, or speeches during the Lunar New Year. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation between friends, as it sounds quite sophisticated and traditional. Using it in a text message to a close friend might come across as overly poetic or stiff.
Examples
It is the start of a new year today, wishing you good health.
Related words
Common phrases
The new year begins and everything is renewed.
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common everyday phrase, but it is strictly reserved for formal or celebratory contexts. Do not use it to describe simple daily changes or personal habits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
