保重
bou2 zung6
The Cantonese phrase for "bless you" is 保重 (bou2 zung6).
保重 is said to somebody who has sneezed.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
bou2 zung6
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'bless you' to someone who sneezes, a Cantonese speaker might use 保重 more like a parting wish for someone's well-being or health. It is often used when saying goodbye rather than as an immediate reaction to a sneeze.
- The term 重 in 保重 refers to 'weight' or 'importance', implying that one should treat their health as something of great value.
- The word 保 in 保重 also appears in the word for 'insurance' 保險, as both share the root meaning of 'guaranteeing' or 'protecting' something.
Example conversation
Tsz Kin and Ka Yan are sitting in a quiet library.
- 子健 Tsz Kin（打噴嚏）(sneezes)(Sneezes)
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan保重！bou2 zung6!Bless you!
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝你，嘉欣。do1 ze6 nei5, gaa1 jan1.Thank you, Ka Yan.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan唔緊要。m4 gan2 jiu3.No problem.
