SUMMER as a verb | 阅千帆

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Definition and Usage

Definition: As a verb, "to summer" means to pass or spend the summer in a specific place.

Common Phrases:

"We summered in Maine."

"They summer in the Hamptons."

Demographics and Regional Variations

The use of "summer" as a verb is more prevalent among affluent individuals, particularly in regions like New York and New England. It is less common in other parts of the United States, such as the South, where people typically refer to summer vacations without using the verb form. This term is often linked to the lifestyle of the upper class, as it implies extended stays in vacation homes or affluent areas.

Chinese Expressions for Summering

度夏 (dù xià)

Literal meaning: "to pass the summer"

This is probably the closest equivalent to the English verb "to summer"

Example: 我们在海南度夏 (Wǒmen zài Hǎinán dù xià) - "We summer in Hainan"

避暑 (bì shǔ)

Meaning: "to escape the heat" or "to spend summer in a cool place"

This term is commonly used for summer retreats

Example: 他们每年都去大理避暑 (Tāmen měi nián dōu qù Dàlǐ bì shǔ) - "They go to Dali every year to escape the summer heat"

过暑假 (guò shǔjià)

Meaning: "to spend the summer vacation"

More commonly used, especially for students

Example: 我们在乡下过暑假 (Wǒmen zài xiāngxià guò shǔjià) - "We spend our summer vacation in the countryside"

Cultural Context

It's worth noting that the concept of "summering" as it's understood in English (implying a lengthy stay in a vacation home) is not as common in Chinese culture. However, with increasing wealth and changing lifestyles, similar practices are becoming more prevalent among affluent Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, there's a concept called 避暑山庄 (bì shǔ shānzhuāng), which refers to summer resorts or villas where people, especially the emperor and nobles in ancient times, would retreat to escape the summer heat. While these expressions exist, they don't carry the same connotations of wealth and social status as the English verb "to summer" does. The Chinese terms are more descriptive of the action rather than implying a particular lifestyle.