sau2 ling4守靈守灵
Jyutpingsau2 ling4
Yalesáu lìhng
Definition
To keep vigil over a deceased person's body before cremation or burial.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This term refers specifically to the traditional practice of keeping watch over the deceased before the funeral. It carries a solemn and respectful tone, emphasizing the duty of descendants to accompany their loved ones during their final days at home or in a funeral parlor. It is rarely used outside of this specific cultural context.
Examples
Their whole family took turns keeping vigil.
Related words
Common phrases
keep vigil all night
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general watching or guarding, as it is strictly reserved for the context of death and funeral rites. Using it in a secular or casual setting would be highly inappropriate and disrespectful.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
