saat3 tau4殺頭杀头
Jyutpingsaat3 tau4
Yalesaat tàuh
Definition
To behead or decapitate as a form of execution; to sentence to death.
- to behead; to decapitate
- to execute; to carry out the death penalty
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the historical method of execution by beheading, though it is often used figuratively in modern speech to describe severe consequences or the death penalty. It carries a visceral and dramatic tone that is rarely used in formal legal contexts, where terms like 死刑 are preferred.
Examples
In ancient times, those who committed major crimes would be beheaded.
Do you know which dynasties in the past still had the punishment of beheading?
Related words
Common phrases
a capital offense
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe modern legal executions, as it sounds archaic and overly graphic. It is strictly a historical or colloquial term for capital punishment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
