hap1 sei2恰死
Jyutpinghap1 sei2
Yalehāp séi
Definition
To bully severely or torment someone to death.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
The suffix 死 acts as an intensifier here, pushing the meaning of 恰 beyond simple teasing into the realm of relentless or cruel harassment. It carries a strong emotional weight, often used when describing someone who is being pushed to their breaking point or treated with total disregard for their feelings. You will hear this frequently in arguments or when complaining about an unfair power dynamic in a workplace or school setting.
Examples
He always bullies the new colleagues severely.
Related words
Common phrases
to bully someone severely
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of death, as the suffix here is purely for emphasis. Using it to describe minor teasing or playful banter will sound overly dramatic and aggressive.
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.
