sam1 lik6 gaau1 seoi6心力交瘁
Jyutpingsam1 lik6 gaau1 seoi6
Yalesām lihk gāau seuih
Definition
Physically and mentally exhausted; completely worn out in body and mind.
neutralhealthwork
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of total depletion that goes beyond simple tiredness, implying a deep, chronic drain on both one's spirit and physical strength. It is frequently used in professional or caregiving contexts where the burden is sustained over a long period. Unlike casual expressions for being tired, this carries a heavier, more serious tone suitable for describing genuine burnout.
Examples
Taking care of their family members has left them completely exhausted.
Have you been working yourself to the bone lately?
Related words
Common phrases
to work until one is completely burnt out
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like 攰, but it is a formal idiom that implies a much more severe and prolonged state of collapse. It is rarely used to describe short-term fatigue after a single day of work.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
