sou1穌稣

Jyutpingsou1

Yalesōu

Definition

To revive or regain consciousness; also refers to perilla (Chinese basil).

to revive; to regain consciousness; to resurrect
perilla; Chinese basil

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How it's used

While the character is widely recognized in the context of the name 耶穌, its use as a verb meaning to revive or regain consciousness is relatively formal or literary in modern Cantonese. When referring to the herb, it is almost always used in the compound 紫蘇. The sense of reviving is often found in written descriptions or dramatic storytelling rather than casual daily conversation.

Examples

keoi5佢wan4暈zo2咗hou2好noi6耐sin1先zi3至sou1穌seng2醒faan1返。

He fainted for a long time before finally regaining consciousness.

Common phrases

zi2紫sou1蘇jip6葉

perilla leaf

sou1穌sing2醒

to wake up or revive

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the common sound-alike 蘇, which appears in place names like 蘇州 or as a surname. The character 穌 is specifically associated with the religious figure or the herb, whereas 蘇 is a much more versatile character used in various everyday contexts.