bin6 bei3便秘
Jyutpingbin6 bei3
Yalebihn bei
Definition
Constipation; to have difficulty passing stool. Figuratively, to be mentally blocked or unable to think clearly.
- to have constipation; constipation
- figurativeto be mentally blocked; unable to think clearly or quickly
colloquialhealthbody
How it's used
While 便秘 is the standard medical term, it is frequently used in casual conversation to describe both physical discomfort and metaphorical mental blockages. When someone says their brain is constipated, they mean they are experiencing a severe mental block or are unable to articulate their thoughts clearly. It carries a slightly blunt tone, so it is usually reserved for close friends or family members.
Examples
Are you constipated? You have been sitting there for an hour and still haven't come out.
I have been eating too much heaty food lately, which has made me a bit constipated.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 肚痾, which refers to diarrhea. Using these two incorrectly can lead to significant confusion about your health status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
