sei2 ding2死頂死顶
Jyutpingsei2 ding2
Yaleséi díng
Definition
To desperately hold on, push through, or refuse to give up when already at one's limit.
colloquialdaily actionshealth
How it's used
Implies a sense of stubbornness or unnecessary endurance in a situation that is clearly detrimental to the person. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person is being foolish or self-destructive by refusing to quit. It is frequently used when someone is physically unwell or emotionally exhausted but refuses to stop.
Examples
This job is so tough, why are you still forcing yourself to keep going?
You have a fever and still need to work, don't push yourself, just take a sick leave.
Related words
Common phrases
cannot hold on any longer
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with just working hard. It specifically refers to the act of pushing through pain or failure when it would be more logical or healthier to stop.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
