go2 tau4 kan5嗰頭近嗰头近
Jyutpinggo2 tau4 kan5
Yalegó tàuh káhn
Definition
Close to death; having one foot in the grave.
colloquialpeoplehealth
How it's used
This expression uses a euphemistic, metaphorical approach to discuss mortality by referring to the afterlife as a destination. It is typically reserved for elderly people or those in very poor health. Using it to describe oneself can sound self-deprecating or fatalistic, while using it for others can sound blunt or insensitive depending on the relationship.
Examples
He is old now, he is nearing the end of his life.
You are still young, why are you talking about being close to death?
Related words
Common phrases
is indeed nearing the end
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嗰邊, which simply means over there. 嗰頭近 is strictly reserved for the context of impending death and should never be used to describe physical proximity to a location.
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.
