guk6 sei2焗死
Jyutpingguk6 sei2
Yaleguhk séi
Definition
To suffocate to death; to die from a lack of air or from smoke inhalation.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily to describe a state of extreme stuffiness or lack of ventilation that makes breathing difficult. While it literally implies death, it is frequently used hyperbolically to complain about hot, airless environments. It is common to hear people say something is 焗死人 to express intense frustration with a lack of fresh air.
Examples
There are no windows in this room, it is suffocating.
If you do not open the door, the flowers inside will die from lack of air.
Related words
Common phrases
suffocatingly hot or stuffy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 悶死, which refers to being bored to death. While both can feel uncomfortable, 焗死 specifically relates to physical air circulation and heat, whereas 悶死 relates to psychological state.
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.
