seoi3 maan5歲晚岁晚
Jyutpingseoi3 maan5
Yaleseui máahn
Definition
The end of the year, typically referring to the end of the lunar year.
colloquialtimefestival
How it's used
Refers specifically to the period immediately preceding the Lunar New Year, often carrying a sense of urgency or frantic preparation. It evokes the cultural atmosphere of cleaning the house, settling debts, and shopping for festive supplies before the new year begins. While it technically marks the end of the calendar, it is almost exclusively used in the context of the lunar cycle.
Examples
It is so busy at the end of the year, do you still have time to buy festive goods?
As the lunar year draws to a close, the streets are incredibly crowded.
Related words
Common phrases
as the year draws to a close
year-end spring cleaning
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the end of the Gregorian calendar year, which is typically referred to as 年尾 or 年底. Using it for December 31st will sound confusing or incorrect to native speakers.
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.
