fan2 san1 seoi3 gwat1粉身碎骨
Jyutpingfan2 san1 seoi3 gwat1
Yalefán sān seui gwāt
Definition
To have one's body smashed to pieces, or figuratively, to die a terrible death for a cause or due to danger.
colloquialdescriptionsother
How it's used
Carries a heavy, dramatic tone often reserved for extreme physical danger or intense self-sacrifice. While it can be used literally to describe a gruesome death, it is frequently employed as a hyperbolic warning against reckless behavior. It is far more intense than simply saying someone died, as it emphasizes the physical destruction of the body.
Examples
He nearly died a horrible death trying to save someone.
Related words
Common phrases
at risk of being smashed to pieces at any moment
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe minor accidents or simple deaths. It is reserved for situations involving high-impact trauma or extreme, life-threatening stakes.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
