jam1 cou4 dei6 fu2陰曹地府阴曹地府
Jyutpingjam1 cou4 dei6 fu2
Yaleyām chòuh deih fú
Definition
The underworld or Hades in traditional belief; the realm of the dead where souls go after death.
colloquialother
How it's used
Often used in a hyperbolic or threatening way during arguments to imply that someone is courting death. While it refers to a specific religious concept of the afterlife, it frequently appears in casual conversation as a dramatic way to describe a dangerous situation or a place that feels hopeless and grim.
Examples
They say if you do too many bad things, you'll go to the underworld after you die.
Are you trying to check in to the underworld?
Related words
Common phrases
cast into the underworld
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 地獄, which specifically refers to the concept of hell as a place of punishment. 陰曹地府 is a more comprehensive term for the entire administrative realm of the dead in traditional Chinese mythology.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
