beng6 sai6病逝
Jyutpingbeng6 sai6
Yalebehng saih
Definition
To die of an illness.
writtenpeoplehealth
How it's used
This term carries a formal and respectful tone, making it suitable for news reports, obituaries, or when speaking about someone with gravity. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation to describe the death of a friend or family member, where people prefer phrases like 過身 or 走咗. Using it in a lighthearted or overly casual context can sound jarringly stiff or overly dramatic.
Examples
His grandfather passed away from an illness last month.
I heard that old person passed away from an illness, is that true?
Related words
Common phrases
unfortunately passed away from an illness
Common mistake
Learners often use this word in casual settings where it sounds too clinical or journalistic. It is not appropriate for talking about pets or very close relatives in a relaxed, informal chat.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
