pun3 sei2拚死
Jyutpingpun3 sei2
Yalepun séi
Definition
To risk one's life to achieve or obtain something.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a sense of extreme desperation or intense determination where the subject is willing to disregard their own safety or well being. It is often used hyperbolically in daily life to describe working excessively hard or pursuing a goal with reckless abandon. While it literally involves life and death, it is frequently applied to non life threatening situations like finishing a project or queuing for a popular restaurant.
Examples
He risked his life to save the cat.
Do you really have to risk your health rushing that report?
Related words
Common phrases
to work oneself to the bone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搏命, which often implies working hard or putting in maximum effort without necessarily implying a life or death risk. 拚死 is much stronger and carries a more dramatic tone.
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.
