gwo3 lou4 sei2過勞死过劳死

Jyutpinggwo3 lou4 sei2

Yalegwo lòuh séi

動詞

Definition

To die from overwork; to suffer sudden death due to extreme physical or mental exhaustion.

colloquialworkhealth

How it's used

Originating from the Japanese term karoshi, this word is frequently used in Hong Kong to critique intense corporate culture and long working hours. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is often employed as a warning to friends or colleagues who neglect their health for their jobs. While it describes a medical outcome, it is primarily used in social commentary rather than clinical settings.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日OT，zan1真hai6係geng1驚keoi5佢gwo3過lou4勞sei2死aa4呀。

He works overtime all the time, I'm really worried he'll die from overwork.

coeng4長kei4期gam3咁joeng2樣捱ngaai4法，faat3遲ci4早zou2過gwo3勞lou4死㗎。

If you keep pushing yourself like this for a long time, you'll die from overwork sooner or later.

Common phrases

daam1擔sam1心gwo3過lou4勞sei2死

worry about dying from overwork

jyu6預fong4防gwo3過lou4勞sei2死

prevent death from overwork

Common mistake

Do not use this word to describe someone who is simply tired or exhausted, as it specifically refers to death caused by overwork. For general exhaustion, use 攰 or 疲勞 instead.