oi1 mok6 daai6 jyu1 sam1 sei2哀莫大於心死哀莫大于心死
Jyutpingoi1 mok6 daai6 jyu1 sam1 sei2
Yaleōi mohk daaih yū sām séi
Definition
The greatest sorrow is a dead heart, where one loses all hope and ceases to care about anything.
writtenemotion
How it's used
Originating from the Zhuangzi, this phrase describes a state of emotional numbness where one has completely abandoned hope or desire. It is used to describe a profound, quiet despair rather than an active or noisy grief. People often use it to explain why someone has suddenly stopped fighting for a cause or a relationship.
Examples
He has reached a state of utter hopelessness regarding this relationship.
Do you still have the heart to save him? Or have you already given up all hope?
Related words
Common phrases
complete and utter hopelessness
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple sadness or disappointment, as it implies a permanent, irreversible loss of spirit. It is a heavy, literary expression that sounds overly dramatic if applied to trivial daily inconveniences.
Grammar color guide
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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.
