dai1 seng1 haa6 hei3低聲下氣低声下气
Jyutpingdai1 seng1 haa6 hei3
Yaledāi sēng hah hei
Definition
To speak in a humble, meek, or subservient manner; to lower one's status to beg or plead.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Describes a posture of extreme humility or submissiveness, often used when someone feels forced to compromise their dignity to achieve a goal. It carries a sense of pity or frustration, highlighting the power imbalance between the parties involved. It is frequently applied in workplace or interpersonal conflicts where one person holds all the leverage.
Examples
For the sake of the job, he really has to be subservient and beg the boss.
Why do you have to be so meek and accommodate him?
Related words
Common phrases
to beg someone in a subservient manner
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple politeness or modesty, as it specifically implies a loss of self-respect or status. It is a strong, negative term that suggests the person is being pushed into a humiliating position.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
