jim4 jing4 haau1 daa2嚴刑拷打严刑拷打
Jyutpingjim4 jing4 haau1 daa2
Yaleyìhm yìhng hāau dá
Definition
To subject someone to severe torture during interrogation.
writtenother
How it's used
This is a formal, four-character idiom that carries a heavy, serious tone. It is rarely used in casual conversation and is mostly found in news reports, historical accounts, or dramatic storytelling. Using it to describe minor physical discomfort or playful teasing will sound absurdly hyperbolic.
Examples
They used severe torture to force him to tell the truth.
This kind of severe torture is really inhumane.
Related words
Common phrases
to suffer severe torture
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for punishment, but it specifically refers to physical or psychological abuse used during interrogation to extract information. It is not interchangeable with general terms like 懲罰.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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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.
