bok3 lou5 ming6搏老命
Jyutpingbok3 lou5 ming6
Yalebok lóuh mihng
Definition
To risk one's life; to exert oneself to the utmost; to work desperately hard.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Adding the character 老 emphasizes the extreme level of desperation or intensity involved in the action. It carries a slightly more dramatic or hyperbolic tone than the standard 搏命, often implying that the person is pushing their physical limits to the point of exhaustion or danger. It is frequently used to describe someone working excessively hard or sacrificing their well-being for a specific goal.
Examples
He is really risking his life for that job.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in professional or formal settings, as the inclusion of 老 makes it sound very informal and intense. It is strictly reserved for casual conversation when describing someone's extreme efforts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
