sat1 lai5 sei2 jan4失禮死人失礼死人
Jyutpingsat1 lai5 sei2 jan4
Yalesāt láih séi yàhn
Definition
Extremely embarrassing or humiliating; to commit a severe breach of etiquette.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This expression functions as an adjective or a descriptive phrase rather than a noun. It carries a strong sense of social shame, suggesting that someone's behavior has brought disgrace upon themselves or those around them. It is often used to criticize someone for lacking basic manners or for acting inappropriately in public.
Examples
You acting like that is truly embarrassing.
He caused a scene at the wedding, it was just mortifying.
Related words
Common phrases
really embarrassing
simply mortifying
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being shy or feeling awkward. It specifically refers to behavior that is socially unacceptable or disgraceful, making others feel embarrassed by association.
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.
