dou2 bai6倒斃倒毙
Jyutpingdou2 bai6
Yaledóu baih
Definition
To collapse and die; to drop dead or be found lying dead.
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How it's used
This term is formal and typically reserved for news reports or police accounts regarding sudden, unexplained, or tragic deaths. It implies the person or animal collapsed and died on the spot rather than passing away peacefully in a bed. You would rarely use this in casual conversation to describe a normal death, as it carries a clinical and somewhat grim tone.
Examples
The dog dropped dead in the park.
Why did he suddenly collapse and die on the street?
Related words
Common phrases
to drop dead on the spot
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply fainting or unconscious, as it specifically denotes death. Use 暈低 if the person is just unconscious.
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.
