sik6 zaai1食齋食斋
Jyutpingsik6 zaai1
Yalesihk jāai
Definition
To eat a vegetarian diet, or figuratively to abstain from sex.
- to practice vegetarianism; to not eat meat, dairy, or eggs
- figurativeto practice celibacy; to go without sex for a long period
colloquialfoodhealth
How it's used
Beyond the dietary meaning, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a period of abstinence from something, such as sex or gambling. It carries a sense of self-discipline or temporary restriction. When someone says they are eating vegetarian, they are almost always referring to a personal choice rather than a religious requirement unless specified otherwise.
Examples
He recently started eating vegetarian, and his body seems healthier.
Are you being vegetarian lately? Why do I see you not eating meat?
Related words
Common phrases
to be a long-term vegetarian
to eat vegetarian on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply eating vegetables, which is 食菜. 食齋 specifically implies a deliberate exclusion of meat, often for health or ethical reasons, whereas 食菜 is just a description of what is on the plate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
