bei1 kek6悲劇悲剧
Jyutpingbei1 kek6
Yalebēi kehk
Definition
Tragedy; a play, movie, or real-life event that causes great suffering and distress.
- a tragedy; a film, play, or drama with a sad ending
- figurativea tragedy; a tragic real-life event causing great suffering
neutralemotionother
How it's used
Beyond describing theatrical works, this term is frequently applied to real life events that involve significant loss or misfortune. It carries a heavy emotional weight and is reserved for situations that are genuinely distressing rather than just minor inconveniences or bad luck.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
The ending of this movie is a tragedy, it made me tear up.
It is really heartbreaking that this tragedy happened.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe personal failures or minor annoyances, as it sounds overly dramatic and unnatural. Native speakers reserve it for serious, often public or life-altering, negative events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
