lei4 sai3離世离世
Jyutpinglei4 sai3
Yalelèih sai
Definition
To pass away; a euphemism for death.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Functions as a respectful and euphemistic way to refer to death, similar to the English phrase "passed away." It is preferred in formal settings, news reports, or when speaking about someone with sensitivity to avoid the bluntness of 死. Using it in casual conversation about someone you do not know well shows a level of social decorum.
Examples
His grandfather passed away last month.
Related words
Common phrases
unfortunately passed away
passed away suddenly
Common mistake
Avoid using this word when talking about pets or animals, as it is reserved for humans. It sounds unnatural and overly formal in those contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
