sei2 heoi3 wut6 loi4死去活來死去活来
Jyutpingsei2 heoi3 wut6 loi4
Yaleséi heui wuht lòih
Definition
Hovering between life and death; used figuratively to describe extreme pain or grief.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is almost exclusively used to describe an extreme, almost theatrical level of emotional distress or physical suffering. It is not used to describe actual medical states of fainting or resuscitation. It carries a slightly dramatic tone, often implying that the person's reaction is intense or perhaps even excessive.
Examples
She is crying uncontrollably because of her breakup.
Related words
Common phrases
to cry one's eyes out
to be in excruciating pain
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who has literally fainted or been revived from a medical emergency, as it is strictly figurative and reserved for emotional or intense physical agony.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
