lei4 naan6罹難罹难
Jyutpinglei4 naan6
Yalelèih naahn
Definition
To be killed in a disaster or accident.
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How it's used
Reserved for news reports and formal announcements, this term carries a heavy, solemn tone that is inappropriate for casual conversation. Using it to describe a personal loss or a minor accident sounds jarringly detached and overly dramatic. In everyday speech, people prefer using plain phrases like 過身 or 走咗.
Examples
Many people were killed in that earthquake, it is truly tragic.
Related words
Common phrases
unfortunately killed in a disaster
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this word to describe dying from natural causes or old age, but it specifically implies death resulting from a disaster, accident, or catastrophe.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
