pok3 sam1 pok3 meng6撲心撲命扑心扑命

Jyutpingpok3 sam1 pok3 meng6

Yalepok sām pok mehng

Definition

To put all of one's heart, soul, and effort into doing something.

colloquialworkdescriptions

How it's used

This expression describes an intense, almost frantic level of dedication or physical exertion. It implies a sense of urgency or desperation, often suggesting that the person is sacrificing their own well-being or rest to achieve a goal. It is frequently used to describe someone working overtime or obsessing over a project.

Examples

keoi5佢wai6為zo2咗fan2份gung1工zan1真hai6係pok3撲sam1心pok3撲meng6命。

He really puts his heart and soul into that job.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使gam3咁pok3撲sam1心pok3撲meng6命aa4呀？

Do you really need to work yourself to the bone like that?

Common phrases

pok3撲sam1心pok3撲meng6命zou6做je5嘢

working one's heart out

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply working hard, which is usually expressed as 勤力. 撲心撲命 carries a stronger connotation of self-sacrifice or extreme, possibly unhealthy, intensity.