jyu4 lok6 mou4 kung4魚樂無窮鱼乐无穷
Jyutpingjyu4 lok6 mou4 kung4
Yaleyùh lohk mòuh kùhng
Definition
To have boundless joy, often used in Chinese New Year greetings.
colloquialfestival
How it's used
This is a pun based on the homophone between 魚 (fish) and 餘 (abundance). It is specifically used as a festive greeting during the Lunar New Year to wish someone prosperity and happiness. Because it is a play on words, it is almost exclusively seen on decorations or heard in formal greetings rather than used in casual daily conversation.
Examples
I wish you boundless joy and good health in the new year.
Remember to say 'boundless joy' when you see your relatives during the Lunar New Year.
Related words
Common phrases
Wishing you boundless joy
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in non-festive contexts, as it sounds like a specific holiday greeting. It is not a general way to describe someone being happy or having fun.
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.
