手術
sau2 seot6
The English word 'surgery' is translated to Cantonese as 手術 (sau2 seot6).
The term refers to a medical procedure involving major incisions.
Meaning: procedure involving major incisions (noun)
Which one should you use?
手術 is the standard term for surgery, while 開刀 is used in a more colloquial manner to describe the act of undergoing an operation.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sau2 seot6.
Did you know?
- The word 手術 contains the character 術, which can also mean 'art' or 'skill', implying that surgery is a specialized craft or technique.
- While 手術 is used for the procedure, the Cantonese word for a surgeon emphasizes the 'doctor' part rather than the 'surgeon' specialty found in English.
- The word 手術 (sau2 seot6) can also be used in non-medical contexts to describe any complex, multi-step technical procedure or 'operation' that requires precision.
Examples in context
- 一般手術需時幾耐？How long does the surgery usually take?
- 佢今日要做手術。keoi5 gam1 jat6 jiu3 zou6 sau2 seot6.He has to undergo surgery today.
- 呢個手術好成功。ni1 go3 sau2 seot6 hou2 sing4 gung1.This surgery was very successful.
- 醫生準備緊做手術。ji1 sang1 zeon2 bei6 gan2 zou6 sau2 seot6.The doctor is preparing to perform surgery.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a relative's health.
- 子健 Tsz Kin嘉欣，你爺爺點樣呀？gaa1 han1, nei5 je4 je2 dim2 joeng2 aa3Ka Hin, how is your grandfather doing?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan佢準備下星期做手術。keoi5 zeon2 bei6 haa6 sing1 kei4 zou6 sau2 seot6He is preparing to have surgery next week.
- 子健 Tsz Kin手術會唔會好危險？sau2 seot6 wui5 m4 wui5 hou2 ngai4 him2Will the surgery be very dangerous?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan醫生話應該冇問題。ji1 sang1 waa4 jing1 goi1 mou5 man6 tai4The doctor said it should be fine.
