週年紀念快樂
zau1 nin4 gei2 nim6 faai3 lok6
To say "happy anniversary" in Cantonese, use 週年紀念快樂 (zau1 nin4 gei2 nim6 faai3 lok6).
This phrase is a greeting used to congratulate someone on the yearly anniversary of a special event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 週年 (anniversary/yearly), 紀念 (commemoration/memory) and 快樂 (happy).
How do you pronounce it?
zau1 nin4 gei2 nim6 faai3 lok6
Did you know?
- When celebrating a wedding anniversary, some couples avoid the word 紀念 ('commemoration') because it can sound too formal or like a memorial for someone who has passed away.
- While 週年紀念快樂 is the literal translation, Cantonese speakers often prefer saying 恭喜 ('congratulations') when celebrating an anniversary, as it focuses on the achievement of the milestone.
- In Hong Kong, it is common to use the English phrase 'Happy Anniversary' even while speaking Cantonese, blending the two languages in a practice called code-switching.
Examples in context
- 恭祝你哋結緣多年，永遠幸福Congratulations on your many years together, may you always be happy.
- 祝你哋恩愛長久Wishing you a long-lasting love.
- 祝你創業週年紀念快樂。zuk1 nei5 cong3 jip6 zau1 nin4 gei1 nim6 faai3 lok6.I wish you a happy business anniversary.
Example conversation
Meiling and Zijian are celebrating their anniversary at a restaurant.
- 美玲 Mei Ling子健，週年紀念快樂！zi2 gin6, zau1 nin4 gei3 nim6 faai3 lok6!Zijian, happy anniversary!
- 子健 Tsz Kin美玲，週年紀念快樂！mei5 ling4, zau1 nin4 gei3 nim6 faai3 lok6!Meiling, happy anniversary!
- 美玲 Mei Ling多謝你準備嘅晚餐。do1 ze6 nei5 zeun2 bei6 ge3 maan3 caan1.Thank you for preparing the dinner.
- 子健 Tsz Kin你鍾意就好喇。nei5 zung1 ji3 zau6 hou2 laa3.As long as you like it.
