cyun4 wut6存活
Jyutpingcyun4 wut6
Yalechyùhn wuht
Definition
To survive; to remain alive.
writtendaily actionsother
How it's used
存活 is a relatively formal term that leans towards written or professional contexts rather than casual daily speech. When talking about surviving in everyday life, Cantonese speakers almost always prefer using 生存落嚟 or 捱得住. It is frequently used in news reports, biological discussions, or business contexts to describe the ability to persist through harsh conditions.
Examples
How did they manage to survive on the deserted island?
This type of plant can still survive under extreme weather.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 存活 in casual conversation where it sounds overly stiff or academic. Use 捱得住 when talking about personal struggles or surviving a difficult situation, as 存活 sounds like you are describing a scientific specimen or a corporate entity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
