jyun4 wu4 zai3 sai3懸壺濟世悬壶济世
Jyutpingjyun4 wu4 zai3 sai3
Yaleyùhn wùh jai sai
Definition
To practice medicine to save lives and help those in need.
writtenhealthpeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of moral duty and altruism, often used to praise doctors who prioritize patient welfare over personal gain. It is formal and literary in tone, so it is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing the professional ethics or the noble calling of the medical field. It is best reserved for speeches, formal writing, or serious discussions about the role of healthcare providers.
Examples
He is determined to practice medicine and save lives, helping many patients.
Is it absolutely necessary for a doctor to have a heart for practicing medicine to save lives?
Related words
Common phrases
a heart for practicing medicine to save lives
to aspire to practice medicine and save lives
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb phrase like 睇醫生, but it is a high-register idiom that specifically emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of the medical profession rather than the act of seeing a doctor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
