sei2死
Jyutpingsei2
Yaleséi
Definition
To die; to lose life.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of biological death, this word is extremely common in colloquial Cantonese as a hyperbolic way to express extreme trouble or failure. When used as a verb in this sense, it often implies that someone is in a desperate situation or will face severe consequences. It carries a blunt, informal tone that can sound aggressive or rude if used towards someone you do not know well.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe the death of a person in polite or formal settings, as it is considered blunt and insensitive. Use 離世 or 過身 instead when speaking about someone passing away to show proper respect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
