jat1 sai3 jan4一世人
Jyutpingjat1 sai3 jan4
Yaleyāt sai yành
Definition
The whole life (of a person); one's entire life; for a lifetime
colloquialtimepeople
How it's used
Emphasizes the duration of an entire human lifespan, often used to express disbelief or to set a long-term expectation. It carries a stronger, more personal weight than just saying 成世. It frequently appears in negative constructions to highlight an extreme lack of experience or a long-standing habit.
Examples
ngo5 jat1 sai3 jan4 dou1 mei6 gin3 gwo3 gam3 hou2 siu3 ge2 je5
我一世人都未見過咁好笑嘅嘢。
I have never seen anything this funny in my entire life.
nei5 daa2 syun3 jat1 sai3 jan4 lau4 hai2 ni1 dou6 zou6 je5 me1
你打算一世人留喺呢度做嘢咩？
Do you plan to stay here and work for your whole life?
Related words
Common phrases
jat1 sai3 jan4 loeng5 hing1 dai6
一世人兩兄弟
brothers for life
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English word lifetime in technical or biological contexts, as it specifically refers to the lived experience of a person.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
