saat3 hei3殺氣杀气
Jyutpingsaat3 hei3
Yalesaat hei
Definition
An aura of violence, menace, or hostility that strikes fear into others.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes an intangible, intimidating presence that someone projects when they are extremely angry or ready for a confrontation. It is frequently used in martial arts films or dramatic contexts to describe a character who looks like they are about to cause serious harm. While it can be used metaphorically in daily life for someone who is just in a very bad mood, it always implies a level of intensity that makes others feel uneasy or threatened.
Examples
He walked in with such a murderous aura, it was terrifying.
Why do you have such a fierce look? Calm down first.
Related words
Common phrases
ferocious and murderous looking
full of murderous intent
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply annoyed or grumpy. It requires a much higher level of intensity, specifically the feeling that the person is ready to physically lash out or start a fight.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
