po3 seoi3破碎
Jyutpingpo3 seoi3
Yalepo seui
Definition
Broken, shattered, or fragmented; not whole.
neutraldescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the state of being shattered or fragmented, often carrying a stronger emotional weight than simply using 爛. It is frequently used in abstract contexts like relationships or psychological states to describe something that has lost its integrity. While it can describe physical objects, it is more commonly associated with intangible concepts like dreams or families.
Examples
The vase fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.
He experienced a broken childhood, so his personality is very introverted.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple physical damage like a torn shirt or a broken electronic device, as it implies a total loss of structure or integrity rather than just a malfunction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
