sau6 zung1 zing3 cam2壽終正寢寿终正寝

Jyutpingsau6 zung1 zing3 cam2

Yalesauh jūng jing chám

動詞

Definition

To die a natural death at an old age, or figuratively, to come to an end.

to die a natural death at an old age
figurativeto fade, cease, or come to an end

neutralother

How it's used

Originally referring specifically to a man passing away peacefully in his own bed at an advanced age, this idiom has evolved into a common metaphorical way to describe the final, inevitable end of projects, policies, or trends. It carries a sense of finality that implies the subject has reached its natural conclusion rather than being cut short by external interference. Using it for inanimate objects is now standard in news and casual conversation.

Examples

keoi5佢je4爺je2爺dou1都hai6係sau6壽zung1終zing3正cam2寢，zau2走dak1得hou2好on1安coeng4詳。

His grandfather died a natural death at an old age, passing away very peacefully.

ni1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃ji5已ging1經sau6壽zung1終zing3正cam2寢，m4唔sai2使zoi3再nam2諗laa3喇。

This plan has already come to an end, no need to think about it anymore.

Common phrases

syun1宣gou3告sau6壽zung1終zing3正cam2寢

to declare something officially dead or finished

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe sudden, violent, or tragic deaths, as it specifically denotes a natural, peaceful end. It is also considered slightly formal or literary despite its common usage in modern contexts, so it may sound out of place in very casual, lighthearted banter.