zou6 sau6做壽做寿
Jyutpingzou6 sau6
Yalejouh sauh
Definition
To celebrate a birthday, usually for an elderly person, by hosting a party or banquet.
colloquialfamilyfood
How it's used
Reserved specifically for older people, this term implies a formal or significant celebration rather than just a casual get together. It is deeply tied to traditional family values where children demonstrate filial piety by hosting a banquet or gathering for their parents or grandparents. Using it for a young person would sound highly ironic or inappropriate.
Examples
Grandma is celebrating her birthday next month, we plan to go to a restaurant for a meal.
How do you plan to celebrate your dad's birthday this year?
Related words
Common phrases
to hold a grand birthday celebration for an elderly person
Common mistake
Avoid using this for anyone young, as it is strictly associated with the birthdays of elderly relatives. It is not a general term for any birthday party.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
