loeng5 goek3 jat1 san1兩腳一伸两脚一伸
Jyutpingloeng5 goek3 jat1 san1
Yaleléuhng geuk yāt sān
Definition
To die; to kick the bucket.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This idiom is a blunt, informal way to refer to death, carrying a sense of finality and detachment. It is typically used when discussing the elderly or in a philosophical reflection on mortality, rather than as a direct or respectful way to announce a recent passing. Using it to describe someone who has just died would be considered highly insensitive or even callous.
Examples
He is quite old now and could pass away at any moment.
Everyone has to die eventually when they get old, so try to look on the bright side.
Related words
Common phrases
could kick the bucket at any time
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in formal settings or when speaking to grieving family members, as it lacks the gravity and respect required for such situations. It is strictly for casual conversation among peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
