鬼月
The English phrase "ghost month" is 鬼月 in Chinese.
The term is used to refer to a period when many people avoid certain activities, such as moving house, starting a business or traveling, to avoid bad luck or offending spirits.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 鬼月 is composed of 鬼 (guǐ), meaning ghost or spirit and 月 (yuè), meaning month.
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, 鬼月 refers to the seventh month of the lunar calendar, during which the gates of the afterlife are believed to be open.
Did you know?
- During 鬼月, many people avoid hanging laundry outside overnight because spirits might 'try' the clothes on, which is seen as a bad omen.
- The character 鬼 can also be used in Chinese idioms to describe someone who is 'cunning' or 'sly', regardless of the ghost month.
- During 鬼月, some people avoid swimming in the ocean because of the belief that 'water ghosts' may try to pull humans down to take their place.
Examples in context
- 我們正在度過鬼月，應該要注意避免觸怒鬼魂。We are currently experiencing Ghost Month, so we should be careful to avoid angering the spirits.
- 盂蘭節是臺灣的重要節日，有許多祭祀活動和舞龍舞獅表演。The Hungry Ghost Festival is an important holiday in Taiwan, featuring various worship activities and lion and dragon dances.
- 鬼月有很多禁忌。Guǐyuè yǒu hěnduō jìnjì.There are many taboos during the ghost month.
- 很多人在鬼月不出門。Hěnduō rén zài Guǐyuè bù chūmén.Many people do not go out during the ghost month.
- 妳知道鬼月快到了嗎？Nǐ zhīdào Guǐyuè kuài dào le ma?Do you know that the ghost month is coming soon?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about travel plans.
- 伟 Wei我们下个月去旅行吧。Wǒmen xià gè yuè qù lǚxíng ba.Let's go traveling next month.
- 梓涵 Zihan可是下个月是鬼月。Kěshì xià gè yuè shì guǐyuè.But next month is ghost month.
- 伟 Wei这有什么关系吗？Zhè yǒu shénme guānxì ma?Does that matter?
- 梓涵 Zihan我还是觉得不方便。Wǒ háishì juéde bù fāngbiàn.I still feel it is inconvenient.
