deng1 sei2釘死钉死
Jyutpingdeng1 sei2
Yaledēng séi
Definition
To nail shut or nail down securely; to crucify.
- to nail down or secure an object with nails so it cannot move
- to crucify; to nail someone to a cross to bleed to death
colloquialdaily actionshome
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of using a hammer and nail, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe fixing a schedule or a plan in place so that it cannot be changed. It carries a sense of finality and rigidity, implying that once something is nailed down, it is locked in.
Examples
Please nail this wooden board down for me so it doesn't wobble.
Related words
Common phrases
to finalize a date or schedule
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the slang usage of 釘, which can mean to die or to fail a test, as the addition of 死 intensifies the action of nailing rather than just meaning death in this specific verb construction.
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.
