sai2 can4洗塵洗尘
Jyutpingsai2 can4
Yalesái chàhn
Definition
To give a welcoming dinner for someone; to host a reception to welcome a traveler.
colloquialfoodpeople
How it's used
Originally referring to the practice of washing off the dust from a long journey, this term now carries a warm, hospitable connotation. It is almost exclusively used in the context of a social gathering or meal held to celebrate someone's return from a long trip or a period of absence. While it implies a formal or semi-formal act of hosting, it is frequently used among friends and family to show genuine care.
Examples
nei5你ngaam1啱ngaam1啱faan1返lai4嚟，gam1今maan5晚ngo5我dei6哋heoi3去sik6食caan1餐hou2好ge3嘅bong1幫nei5你sai2洗can4塵。
You just got back, let's go have a nice meal tonight to welcome you.
ting1聽jat6日jau5有pang4朋jau5友jau4由ngoi6外gwok3國faan1返lai4嚟，nei5你pui4陪ngo5我jat1一cai4齊heoi3去sai2洗can4塵aa4呀？
A friend is coming back from abroad tomorrow, will you join me for the welcoming dinner?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term for someone who has just returned from a short trip, like a weekend getaway or a day trip. It is reserved for significant absences where the person has been away for a while and has truly accumulated the metaphorical dust of travel.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
