更年期
The English phrase menopause is expressed in Cantonese as 更年期.
更年期 is used to refer to the ending of menstruation.
Meaning: ending of menstruation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 更 (change), 年 (year) and 期 (period), literally meaning 'the period of changing years'.
Did you know?
- When discussing the 'hot flashes' associated with 更年期, Cantonese speakers often use the term 潮熱, which translates literally to 'tide heat'.
- Because 更年期 describes a 'change of years', it is sometimes used loosely in Cantonese to refer to the general mood swings associated with middle age, regardless of gender.
- In traditional Cantonese social circles, discussions about 更年期 are often linked to the concept of 'internal heat' or 上火, explaining hot flashes as an imbalance of bodily energy.
Examples in context
- 我母親已經進入更年期了。My mother has entered menopause.
- 她正經歷更年期的種種變化。She is experiencing various changes during menopause.
- 她已經進入閉經期了。She has entered menopause.
- 更年期嘅症狀有好多種。gang nin kei ge zing zoeng jau hou do zung.There are many different symptoms of menopause.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing health concerns over tea.
- 家明 Ka Ming曉彤，你最近點呀？hiu tung, nei zeoi gan dim aa?曉彤, how have you been lately?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我覺得好攰，可能係因為更年期。ngo gok dak hou gui, ho nang hai jan wai gang nin kei.I feel very tired, it might be because of menopause.
- 家明 Ka Ming咁你要多啲休息。gam nei jiu do di haak si.Then you should get more rest.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung多謝家明，我會留意㗎。do ze ka ming, ngo wui lau ji gaa.Thanks Ka Ming, I will keep an eye on it.
