toi4 hei3台戲台戏
Jyutpingtoi4 hei3
Yaletòih hei
Definition
A theatrical performance on a stage.
colloquialfestivalother
How it's used
Refers specifically to traditional Chinese opera performances, often those held outdoors on temporary bamboo stages during festivals. It carries a nostalgic or cultural weight, as these performances are frequently associated with temple celebrations or local community events. While it can technically refer to any stage performance, it is almost exclusively used in the context of Cantonese opera or folk theatre.
Measure word
coeng4場chèunghExamples
There is a stage show tomorrow night, are you going?
He loved watching stage shows when he was young.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term 戲, which refers to movies or plays in a modern context. Using 台戲 to describe a cinema film will sound very strange to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
