soeng5 kai3上契

Jyutpingsoeng5 kai3

Yaleséuhng kai

動詞

Definition

To formally establish a nominal, non-blood kinship, such as becoming sworn siblings or godparents and godchildren.

colloquialfamilypeople

How it's used

This practice is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture, often done to seek protection or good fortune for a child by linking them to a respected elder. While it creates a formal bond, it is a social and spiritual commitment rather than a legal one. The relationship is cemented through a ceremony, often involving the exchange of gifts and a shared meal.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋loeng5兩go3個gam2感cing4情gam3咁hou2好，bat1不jyu4如soeng5上kai3契zou6做hing1兄dai6弟laa1啦。

The two of them are so close, why don't they swear to be brothers?

ngo5我sai3細go3個go2嗰zan6陣，aa3阿maa5媽bong1幫ngo5我soeng5上kai3契zo2咗bei3畀go3個kai3契maa1媽。

When I was little, my mom had me sworn in as a godchild to a godmother.

Common phrases

soeng5上kai3契ji4儀sik1式

swearing-in ceremony

jing6認kai3契je4爺

to acknowledge someone as a godfather

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply having a close friend. It is a formal, recognized social status that carries specific expectations of mutual support and respect, similar to actual family ties.