ceot1 sang1 jap6 sei2出生入死
Jyutpingceot1 sang1 jap6 sei2
Yalechēut sāng yahp séi
Definition
To risk one's life, going through great dangers and putting life and death aside.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, dramatic weight and is typically reserved for describing intense shared experiences, such as military service, dangerous undercover work, or extreme life-or-death situations. It is rarely used for minor difficulties or everyday workplace stress. Using it to describe a simple friendship or a minor disagreement can sound overly theatrical or sarcastic.
Examples
They went through thick and thin together in the past, so they have a deep bond.
Related words
Common phrases
brothers who have been through thick and thin together
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe any difficult situation, but it specifically implies a genuine threat to life or physical safety. Avoid using it for situations that are merely challenging or frustrating.
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.
