sau6 bei2 naam4 saan1壽比南山寿比南山
Jyutpingsau6 bei2 naam4 saan1
Yalesauh béi nàahm sāan
Definition
A blessing wishing someone a long life, literally meaning to live as long as the Southern Mountain.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This phrase is almost exclusively reserved for birthday celebrations of elderly relatives or respected seniors. It carries a formal and traditional weight, making it feel slightly stiff if used in casual settings with peers. It is standard practice to pair it with 福如東海 to create a balanced, rhythmic blessing.
Examples
Wishing you happiness as vast as the sea and a life as long as the mountains!
Wishing Grandma a long life and good health.
Related words
Common phrases
May your happiness be as vast as the sea and your life as long as the mountains
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase for anyone young, as it is strictly associated with longevity for the elderly. Using it for a friend's birthday might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.
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.
