maai6 meng6賣命卖命
Definition
To work oneself to death for someone; to risk or pledge one's life in service of others.
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, dramatic tone that implies extreme sacrifice or blind loyalty. It is rarely used in a literal sense of dying, but rather to describe someone who is overworking themselves to the point of exhaustion for a boss, a cause, or a person they feel obligated to. It often carries a critical or cautionary undertone, suggesting that the effort being put in is disproportionate to the reward or the character of the person being served.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe working hard in a positive or professional sense, as it implies a loss of self-worth or an unhealthy level of devotion. Using it to describe a normal diligent employee would sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
