bei6 sai3避世
Jyutpingbei6 sai3
Yalebeih sai
Definition
To withdraw from society and live in isolation; to unplug from the world.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Carries a slightly romanticized or philosophical tone, often implying a deliberate choice to seek peace rather than just hiding from problems. It is frequently used to describe someone moving to a rural area or a foreign country to escape the pressures of modern life. While it can describe a permanent lifestyle change, it is also used for short-term retreats where one cuts off contact with the outside world.
Examples
He is tired of city life and wants to go deep into the mountains to unplug from the world.
Are you looking for a place to get away from it all?
Related words
Common phrases
to live in seclusion in the deep mountains
to stay far away from the secular world
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 避難, which specifically means to take refuge from danger, war, or disaster. 避世 implies a voluntary withdrawal for personal tranquility, whereas 避難 is a reactive measure taken to survive a crisis.
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.
