daa2 ding6 syu1 sou3打定輸數打定输数
Jyutpingdaa2 ding6 syu1 sou3
Yaledá dihng syū sou
Definition
To lose hope of winning or succeeding, and prepare for the worst.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This phrase describes a psychological state of resignation where one stops striving for success because the outcome seems inevitable. It is frequently used to criticize someone for being defeatist or lacking the persistence to try until the very end. The imagery of counting the loss suggests a calculated acceptance of failure, rather than just a feeling of sadness.
Examples
Giving up before the match even starts shows a lack of fighting spirit.
Seeing how strong the opponent was, he had already prepared himself for defeat.
Related words
Common phrases
to have mentally prepared for defeat
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply feeling sad or discouraged. It specifically refers to the act of mentally preparing for a negative outcome and ceasing to put in effort, rather than just the emotional state of being disappointed.
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.
