saang1 san4生辰
Jyutpingsaang1 san4
Yalesāang sàhn
Definition
Birthday
writtentime
How it's used
Refers to a birthday in a formal or literary context, often appearing on greeting cards or in written invitations. It sounds significantly more elevated and traditional than the everyday term 生日. Using it in casual conversation can make the speaker sound like they are reciting a poem or being overly dramatic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Wishing you a happy birthday and good health.
Related words
Common phrases
happy birthday
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard conversational word, but it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Stick to 生日 for daily communication to avoid sounding unnatural or archaic.
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.
