守灵

守靈

shǒulíng

verb #17,875

Meanings

1 to keep watch beside a coffin
2 to hold a wake

Characters

to guard; to keep watch

spirit; coffin with remains

Examples

家人们轮流守灵。

Jiārénmen lúnliú shǒulíng.

Family members took turns keeping vigil by the coffin.

他在灵堂守灵了一整夜。

Tā zài língtáng shǒulíng le yī zhěngyè.

He kept watch by the coffin in the funeral hall all night.

Tips

culture

守灵 is an important Chinese funeral tradition. Family members stay by the coffin day and night before burial, often burning incense and joss paper to honor the deceased.

Stroke Order

守 shǒu

灵 líng