lok6 gik6 sang1 bei1樂極生悲乐极生悲
Jyutpinglok6 gik6 sang1 bei1
Yalelohk gihk sāng bēi
Definition
Extreme joy begets sorrow; immense happiness is often followed by grief.
neutralemotion
How it's used
Functions as a cautionary idiom used to warn people against becoming too carried away by excitement or success. It implies that when one reaches a peak of happiness, they often lose their guard, making them vulnerable to sudden misfortune. It is frequently used when someone is acting recklessly while having fun.
Examples
You are playing too wildly, be careful that extreme joy brings sorrow.
They ended up in sorrow during the celebration, which resulted in someone getting hurt.
Related words
Common phrases
be careful not to let extreme joy turn into sorrow
Common mistake
Do not use this as a simple synonym for being sad. It specifically describes a situation where a positive, high-energy event takes a sudden, negative turn due to excess or lack of caution.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
