dak1 haan4 sei2 m4 dak1 haan4 beng6得閒死唔得閒病得闲死唔得闲病
Jyutpingdak1 haan4 sei2 m4 dak1 haan4 beng6
Yaledāk hàahn séi m̀h dāk hàahn behng
Definition
To be extremely busy.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
This hyperbolic expression vividly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by work or life responsibilities. It is used exclusively in informal contexts to emphasize that one's schedule is so packed that even basic human needs like resting during illness are impossible. The phrasing highlights a sense of urgency and exhaustion rather than just a high volume of tasks.
Examples
The company has been so busy lately, I really have no time to even get sick.
Have you been extremely busy lately?
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in professional or formal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or dismissive of health concerns. It is strictly a colloquial way to vent to friends or colleagues about a crushing workload.
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.
