ming5 sau6冥壽冥寿
Jyutpingming5 sau6
Yalemíhng sauh
Definition
The birthday of a deceased person.
neutralpeopletime
How it's used
This term is used exclusively for people who have passed away, often appearing in formal contexts like newspaper reports or family memorial notices. It carries a respectful and solemn tone, distinguishing it from the casual term 生日 used for the living. It is common to see it paired with specific age milestones, such as 冥壽 or 誕辰.
Examples
Next month is my grandfather's 100th birthday since his passing.
Related words
Common phrases
100th birthday of a deceased person
Common mistake
Avoid using this word for anyone who is still alive, as it implies the person is deceased. It is strictly reserved for memorializing the dead.
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.
