bei2 jan4 tai2 sei2俾人睇死
Jyutpingbei2 jan4 tai2 sei2
Yalebéi yàhn tái séi
Definition
To be looked down upon, underestimated, or seen as a loser by others.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This phrase carries a strong sense of being underestimated or dismissed by others, often implying that someone expects you to fail. It is frequently used as a motivational challenge to prove critics wrong. The structure relies on the passive marker 俾, which is essential for conveying that the action of looking down is being done to the subject.
Examples
He is always looked down upon by others, it is really pitiful.
Don't let people look down on you, you need to prove yourself!
Related words
Common phrases
don't let people look down on you
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple insults, but it specifically refers to a lack of faith in someone's potential or future success rather than just being rude.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
