ngai4 toi5危殆
Jyutpingngai4 toi5
Yalengàih tóih
Definition
In a critical condition; dangerously ill.
writtenhealth
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in formal medical or news contexts to describe a life threatening state. You will frequently hear it in hospital updates or news reports regarding accidents. It carries a much more serious and clinical weight than simply saying someone is very sick.
Examples
The doctor says he is in critical condition and needs to go to the ICU.
The patient is in critical condition; have the family members been notified?
Related words
Common phrases
in critical condition
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday casual conversation to describe someone who is just feeling unwell or having a bad day, as it specifically implies a high risk of death.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
