san4 daa2神打
Jyutpingsan4 daa2
Yalesàhn dá
Definition
Chinese spirit possession; a Taoist practice of inviting a deity to possess one's body to perform supernatural feats.
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a folk religious practice involving ritual possession where practitioners claim to become invulnerable to physical harm. It is often associated with martial arts troupes or traditional street performances rather than mainstream religious worship. The term carries a strong connotation of superstition or extreme physical feats that defy common sense.
Examples
I heard he learned spirit possession when he was young, and he is supposedly invulnerable to weapons.
Do you believe that spirit possession really exists in this world?
Related words
Common phrases
to practice spirit possession
to know how to perform spirit possession
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general martial arts training or religious prayer. It is a very specific, niche cultural practice that is rarely seen in modern urban life, so using it to describe regular fighting or exercise is incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
