fau4 sang1浮生
Jyutpingfau4 sang1
Yalefàuh sāng
Definition
Life, especially with the connotation of being fleeting, unrealistic, and hard to control.
writtenother
How it's used
Literary in nature, this term is almost exclusively used in poetic, philosophical, or reflective contexts rather than daily conversation. It carries a heavy, melancholic tone that suggests the transience of human existence. You will most frequently encounter it in idioms or classical-style writing where the speaker is contemplating the futility or brevity of life.
Examples
Life is like a dream, might as well enjoy it while you can.
Why be so persistent, how long is life anyway?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a literal, biological life or a career path. It is strictly reserved for abstract, existential reflections on the nature of being.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
