Definition
守夜 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to keep watch at night' — the verb 守 ('guard') and the noun 夜 ('night') can be split when inserting duration, frequency, or other elements: you can say 守了一夜 for 'kept watch all night' or 守过几次夜 for 'stood night watch a few times'. It's commonly used in contexts like security guards, military watches, or traditional vigil customs.
v.o.
to keep watch at nightto stand night watch
Examples
- 守夜。Bǎo'ān měi wǎn dōu yào shǒu yè.The security guard has to keep watch every night.
- 。Tā shǒu le yí yè de cāngkù.He kept watch at the warehouse all night.
- 守夜，。Gǔdài shìbīng lúnliú shǒu yè, fángzhǐ dírén tōuxí.Ancient soldiers took turns keeping watch at night to prevent enemy sneak attacks.
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