syun1 sai6宣誓
Jyutpingsyun1 sai6
Yalesyūn saih
Definition
To take an oath, make a vow, or make a solemn declaration in front of witnesses.
neutralworkother
How it's used
This term carries a heavy sense of formality and legal weight, often associated with official government positions or courtroom proceedings. Unlike casual promises, it implies a binding commitment that can have serious consequences if broken. It is almost exclusively used in professional or civic contexts rather than personal relationships.
Examples
They are taking their oaths at the Legislative Council today.
Are you ready to go and take the oath?
Related words
Common phrases
to take an oath of office
swearing-in ceremony
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general promises like 承諾, but 宣誓 is specifically reserved for formal, public, or legal declarations. Using it for a casual promise to a friend sounds bizarrely stiff and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
