sei2 sing4死城
Jyutpingsei2 sing4
Yaleséi sìhng
Definition
Ghost town; a city with very few or no inhabitants.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
Use this term to describe places that feel abandoned or devoid of human activity, even if they are not technically deserted. It carries a strong sense of desolation and is often used to criticize urban planning or the decline of local businesses. It is more vivid and dramatic than simply saying a place is quiet or empty.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
It is so quiet there at night, it's like a ghost town.
This mall has closed down and turned into a ghost town.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a place that is just temporarily quiet, such as an office on a Sunday. It implies a sense of permanent or structural decay rather than a momentary lack of people.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
