慶祝
hing3 zuk1
The English phrase 'celebrate' is translated into Cantonese as 慶祝 (hing3 zuk1).
慶祝 is a common and general term used to describe engaging in joyful activity in appreciation of an event.
Meaning: to engage in joyful activity in appreciation of an event (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 慶祝 is a general term for celebrate, if you are specifically talking about celebrating a birthday in an informal way, you might use 慶生. If you want to say you are having a party in a casual context, you can use 開派對. For formal occasions involving achievements or special events, the term 祝賀 can be used, as it means to congratulate or to celebrate. Additionally, the phrase 慶祝佳節 is used specifically when referring to celebrations during holidays or festive seasons.
How do you pronounce it?
hing3 zuk1
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culture, the act of celebrating often revolves around the concept of 食飯 (sik6 faan6), literally 'eating rice', which can mean 'having a meal' or 'gathering for a celebration'.
- The term 慶祝 is used for milestones, but if the celebration is a spontaneous 'treat' for someone, speakers often use terms related to 'paying the bill' instead.
- The character 慶 in 慶祝 carries a historical nuance of 'bringing good news', linking the act of celebrating to the announcement of a positive event.
Examples in context
- 你舊年點慶祝聖誕呀？How did you celebrate Christmas last year?This sentence is useful for asking how someone celebrated Christmas last year using 慶祝.Tatoeba #5763164 by nickyeow, translation #5705367 by CK
- 我哋夾計，預先冇同佢講就同彼得慶祝生日。We colluded and celebrate with Peter for his birthday without informing him in advance.This sentence shows how to use 慶祝 when talking about celebrating a birthday.Tatoeba #10762128 by LeeSooHa, translation #10762129 by LeeSooHa
- 慶祝生日Celebrate a birthday
- 慶祝成功Celebrate success
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing plans for a promotion.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung你升咗職，想點慶祝？nei5 sing1 zo2 zik1, soeng2 dim2 hing3 zuk1?You got promoted, how do you want to celebrate?
- 志強 Chi Keung我想請大家食餐好嘅。ngo5 soeng2 cing2 daai6 gaa1 sik6 caan1 hou2 ge3.I want to treat everyone to a nice meal.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung好呀，志強，我一定到。hou2 aa3, zi3 koeng4, ngo5 jat1 ding6 dou3.Great, Zi Koeng, I will definitely be there.
- 志強 Chi Keung到時見啦，曉彤。dou3 si4 gin3 laa1, hiu2 tung4.See you then, Hiu Tung.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
