ming5 fu2冥府
Jyutpingming5 fu2
Yalemíhng fú
Definition
The underworld or Hades in traditional beliefs; the realm of the dead.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the bureaucratic afterlife found in traditional Chinese folk religion, often depicted as a mirror image of the imperial court. It carries a heavy, somewhat ominous tone and is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing mythology or horror stories. In everyday speech, people are more likely to use the more generic term 地獄 when referring to a hellish or miserable situation.
Examples
I heard that after people die, they go to the underworld to report.
Are you so absorbed in the movie that you've entered the underworld?
Related words
Common phrases
the path to the underworld
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the Christian concept of Hell, as the cultural implications of the afterlife bureaucracy are quite different. It is strictly tied to traditional Chinese belief systems.
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.
