zing3 sok3正朔
Jyutpingzing3 sok3
Yalejing sok
Definition
The first day of the first lunar month, the calendar issued by a new dynasty, or orthodox authority.
- the first day of the first lunar month
- a calendar promulgated by a new dynasty
- figurativeorthodoxy; political legitimacy
writtentimeother
How it's used
This term is strictly literary and historical in nature, rarely appearing in modern spoken Cantonese. It carries a heavy political weight, as it historically signified the legitimacy of a dynasty by its authority to define the start of the year. In contemporary contexts, it is almost exclusively used in academic discussions or historical dramas to debate political legitimacy or cultural orthodoxy.
Examples
When an emperor ascended the throne in ancient times, the first thing he did was to promulgate the calendar.
Is this regime of theirs actually the legitimate orthodox successor?
Related words
Common phrases
to promulgate the calendar
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with the common term 正月, which simply refers to the first lunar month. Using 正朔 in casual conversation will sound extremely archaic or pretentious, as it is not a word for daily life.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
