sei2 m4 ngaan5 bai3死唔眼閉死唔眼闭
Jyutpingsei2 m4 ngaan5 bai3
Yaleséi m̀h ngáahn bai
Definition
To die with deep regrets or grievances; to carry one's regrets to the grave.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe a person who is unable to let go of a deep regret or a sense of injustice before they pass away. It carries a heavy, dramatic tone and is often used in contexts involving family legacy, unresolved conflicts, or unfulfilled life goals. While it literally refers to the moment of death, it is sometimes used hyperbolically to describe someone who is extremely anxious about a specific outcome.
Examples
He hasn't seen his son get married yet, he won't be able to rest in peace.
What wishes do you still have left unfulfilled that make you worry about not resting in peace?
Related words
Common phrases
to die with regrets
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply physically unable to close their eyes due to a medical condition. It is strictly reserved for the emotional and psychological state of having an unfulfilled wish or grievance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
