sei2 se4 laan6 sin5死蛇爛鱔死蛇烂鳝
Definition
To be extremely lazy, idle, and sluggish; lying around listlessly and refusing to do anything.
How it's used
This idiom vividly paints a picture of someone lacking all energy or motivation, often physically sprawled out in a way that suggests complete lethargy. It is frequently used to criticize someone for wasting time or failing to contribute, carrying a stronger sense of annoyance than simply calling someone lazy. The imagery of a dead snake and a broken eel emphasizes the lack of structural integrity or purpose in the person's posture and attitude.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply tired or resting after hard work. It specifically implies a negative, habitual, or prolonged state of idleness that the speaker finds frustrating or unproductive.
Grammar color guide
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.
