beng6 jap6 gou1 fong1病入膏肓
Jyutpingbeng6 jap6 gou1 fong1
Yalebehng yahp gōu fōng
Definition
Terminally ill; critically sick and beyond cure.
writtenhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Originally a classical idiom referring to a physical location between the heart and diaphragm that medicine could not reach, it is now frequently used metaphorically to describe organizations, systems, or situations that are beyond repair. It carries a heavy, somber tone and is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation. When applied to people, it implies a terminal state where recovery is considered impossible.
Examples
His illness is beyond cure; even the doctors can do nothing.
The management of this company is so poor that it is beyond saving.
Related words
Common phrases
already beyond cure
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe any serious illness, but it specifically implies a terminal or hopeless condition. Avoid using it for common ailments like the flu or a fever, as it sounds overly dramatic and inappropriate.
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.
