san4 ging1 co3 lyun6神經錯亂神经错乱
Jyutpingsan4 ging1 co3 lyun6
Yalesàhn gīng cho lyuhn
Definition
To suffer from a mental breakdown, insanity, or madness.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This term is frequently used in casual conversation to describe someone acting erratically, irrationally, or behaving in a way that defies common sense. It is rarely used in a clinical or medical context to describe actual mental illness, as that would be considered insensitive or offensive. Instead, it functions as a hyperbolic way to criticize someone's strange or illogical behavior.
Examples
He seems to have lost his mind lately, his speech is incoherent.
Are you insane? Why would you do such a stupid thing?
Related words
Common phrases
simply insane
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone with a genuine mental health condition, as it carries a strong derogatory connotation. In a clinical setting, use more neutral or professional terminology instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
