zai3 zi6祭祀

Jyutpingzai3 zi6

Yalejai jih

Definition

To offer sacrifices to the gods or ancestors

neutralfamilyfestival

How it's used

Formal contexts often require this term, as it carries a sense of solemnity and traditional duty. It is specifically reserved for rituals involving offerings like incense, food, or paper items, rather than casual prayer. You will frequently hear it used in relation to major festivals like Ching Ming or Chung Yeung.

Examples

cing1 ming4 zit3 hou2 do1 jan4 wui6 ji5 heoi3 zai3 zi6 zou2 sin1

清明節好多人會去祭祀祖先。

Many people go to worship their ancestors during the Ching Ming Festival.

nei5 gam1 nin4 jau5 mou5 heoi3 zai3 zi6 aa4

你今年有冇去祭祀呀？

Did you go to perform the worship rituals this year?

Common phrases

zai3 zi6 zou2 sin1

祭祀祖先

worship ancestors

zai3 zi6 san4 ming4

祭祀神明

worship deities

Common mistake

Avoid using this for casual religious activities or daily prayers, as it implies a structured, ceremonial act of remembrance. It is not interchangeable with general terms for praying or visiting a temple.