sau2 je6守夜

Jyutpingsau2 je6

Yalesáu yeh

Uncommon

Definition

To hold a funeral vigil overnight, or to work as a night watchman.

to hold a funeral vigil on the night before the burial
to do night watch; to patrol or guard at night

colloquialfamilywork

How it's used

Refers specifically to the traditional custom of keeping company with the deceased before the funeral, though modern urban life has significantly shortened the duration. When used in a professional context, it simply describes the act of staying awake to guard a location during the night shift. It carries a solemn weight when used for family matters, contrasting with the more functional tone used for security work.

Examples

je4爺je2爺gwo3過san1身，ngo5我dei6哋gam1今maan5晚jiu3要faan1返heoi3去sau2守je2夜。

Grandpa passed away, we have to go back to hold the vigil tonight.

bou2保on1安jyun4員mui5每maan5晚dou1都jiu3要喺hai2大daai6廈haa6守sau2夜。

The security guard has to do night watch at the building every night.

Common phrases

tung1通siu1宵sau2守je2夜

to keep an overnight vigil until dawn

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with staying up late for fun or work, which is better described as 捱夜 or 熬夜. Using 守夜 for staying up to play games or finish a project sounds like you are mourning someone.