謝師宴
ze6 si1 jin3
The English word "prom" (a formal ball) is translated into Cantonese as 謝師宴 (ze6 si1 jin3).
While the English term "prom" often refers to a high school formal ball, the Cantonese term 謝師宴 refers specifically to a banquet held to express gratitude to teachers.
Meaning: a formal ball (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ze6 si1 jin3
Did you know?
- The characters in 謝師宴 reflect a Confucian-influenced social structure where the relationship between teacher and student is a central pillar of life.
- In many Cantonese-speaking communities, the 'prom' concept is often absorbed into the broader tradition of 'graduation banquets' held at restaurants rather than school ballrooms.
- At a 謝師宴, it is common for students to present their teachers with thoughtful gifts or handwritten letters as part of the ceremony.
Examples in context
- 今晚學校會舉辦一個Prom，好期待啊！The school is organizing a Prom tonight. I'm so excited!
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their plans for the end-of-year formal.
- 家明 Ka Ming雅婷，你會唔會去謝師宴？aa2 ting4, nei5 wui6 m4 wui6 heoi3 ze6 si1 jin3?Ya Ting, are you going to prom?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting會呀，但我仲未買裙。wui6 aa3, daan6 ngo5 zung6 mei6 maai5 kwan4.Yes, but I haven't bought a dress yet.
- 家明 Ka Ming我想問你做我謝師宴舞伴。ngo5 soeng2 man6 nei5 zou6 ngo5 ze6 si1 jin3 mou5 bun6.I want to ask you to be my prom date.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好啊，我好期待！hou2 aa3, ngo5 hou2 kei4 doi6!Sure, I'm looking forward to it!
