jiu3 sang1 jiu3 sei2要生要死
Jyutpingjiu3 sang1 jiu3 sei2
Yaleyiu sāng yiu séi
Definition
To act hysterically, crying and shouting.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes an extreme, dramatic reaction to a setback that others perceive as trivial. It implies that the person is making a scene, often involving loud crying or threats of self-harm, to manipulate the situation or express overwhelming distress. This phrase is almost always used to criticize someone for overreacting rather than to describe genuine clinical depression.
Examples
They just broke up, do they really need to be this hysterical?
Stop acting so hysterical, calm down a bit.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is actually in a life-threatening crisis, as it carries a dismissive and judgmental tone. It is strictly for calling out someone who is being overly dramatic.
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.
