luk6 san4 mou4 zyu2六神無主六神无主
Jyutpingluk6 san4 mou4 zyu2
Yaleluhk sàhn mòuh jyú
Definition
To be at a complete loss, stunned, or panicked by an unexpected incident and not know what to do.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of extreme agitation or confusion where one loses their composure. It is often used to describe someone who is so overwhelmed by a sudden shock or crisis that they are unable to make any rational decisions. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in everyday speech to describe someone who has completely lost their head.
Examples
After hearing the bad news, he was completely at a loss.
Don't panic when you encounter an emergency, you need to stay calm.
Related words
Common phrases
scared out of one's wits
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being busy or forgetful, but it specifically implies a state of shock or panic. It is not used for minor inconveniences or simple forgetfulness.
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.
