saat3 sang1殺生杀生
Jyutpingsaat3 sang1
Yalesaat sāng
Definition
To kill a living being.
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How it's used
This term carries a strong Buddhist connotation regarding the prohibition against taking life. It is rarely used in casual conversation to describe common acts like killing a pest, but rather refers to a moral or religious stance. When people discuss dietary choices like vegetarianism, this is the standard term used to explain the ethical motivation behind the practice.
Examples
He advocates not killing any living things, he won't even swat a mosquito.
Do you eat vegetarian usually because you don't want to kill living things?
Related words
Common phrases
advocate non-killing
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the act of killing a specific animal in a non-religious context. If you are talking about killing a chicken for dinner or swatting a fly, use 殺 instead.
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.
