sei2 sing3死性
Jyutpingsei2 sing3
Yaleséi sing
Definition
Stubborn and deep-rooted bad habits or nature.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of frustration or exasperation, often used when someone repeatedly fails to learn from their mistakes. It implies that the behavior is deeply ingrained in the person's character, making it nearly impossible to fix. It is almost exclusively used in negative contexts to criticize someone's stubborn refusal to improve.
Examples
He really hasn't changed his bad ways, he's gambling again.
Related words
Common phrases
stubbornly refuse to change one's bad ways
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a bad personality or being a bad person. It specifically refers to a repetitive, negative behavioral pattern that someone refuses to abandon despite knowing it is wrong.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
