leoi4 pek3雷劈
Jyutpingleoi4 pek3
Yalelèuih pek
Definition
To strike by lightning.
colloquialnatureemotion
How it's used
雷劈 is rarely used to describe actual weather events, which are usually referred to as 行雷閃電. Instead, it is almost exclusively used in curses or hyperbolic warnings to suggest that someone deserves divine retribution for lying or breaking a promise. It carries a strong, superstitious weight that is often invoked during heated arguments or when someone is perceived to be acting dishonestly.
Examples
He lies so much, I am really afraid he will be struck by lightning.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a literal lightning strike on a building or tree, as that would sound like you are wishing harm upon the object or person. Use it only in the context of moral judgment or curses.
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.
