taai3 seoi3太歲太岁
Jyutpingtaai3 seoi3
Yaletaai seui
Definition
The deity of the year in Chinese folk religion, or a hypothetical star in ancient Chinese astronomy.
- one of sixty stellar deities who take turns to rule the mortal world each year
- technicala hypothetical star in ancient astronomy that orbits opposite to Jupiter
colloquialother
How it's used
Belief in this deity remains a significant part of Hong Kong folk religion, especially around the Lunar New Year when people visit temples to pray for protection. The concept is deeply tied to the Chinese sexagenary cycle, where each year is governed by one of the sixty generals. It is common to hear people express concern about their luck if their zodiac sign conflicts with the current year's deity.
Examples
Are you clashing with the deity of the year this year?
I am going to the temple tomorrow to worship the deity of the year.
Common phrases
to clash with the deity of the year
to worship the deity of the year
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the deity itself with the act of offending it. Remember that 犯太歲 refers to the state of being in conflict with the deity, not the deity itself.
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.
