waan4 san4還神还神
Definition
To return to a temple and make offerings to the gods to show gratitude for their protection or for granting a wish.
How it's used
This term specifically refers to the act of fulfilling a promise made to a deity after a request has been granted. It is deeply rooted in traditional folk religion where people make a vow to return with offerings like fruit, roast meat, or incense if their prayers for health, wealth, or success are answered. Failing to return to perform this ritual is often considered a breach of trust with the divine.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general worship like 拜神. While 拜神 is a broad term for any act of praying or showing respect, 還神 is strictly transactional and retrospective, implying that a specific favor was requested and received.
Grammar color guide
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.
