sei2 leoi4死擂
Jyutpingsei2 leoi4
Yaleséi lèuih
Definition
To work extremely hard; to put all of one's energy into a task.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
This term carries a sense of intense, almost desperate effort, often implying that the person is pushing themselves beyond their normal limits. It is frequently used in work or study contexts where someone is sacrificing their well-being or leisure time to achieve a goal. The imagery suggests a relentless, grinding pace that leaves little room for rest.
Examples
He is really working his guts out for that job.
Related words
Common phrases
to work extremely hard
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of death, as the focus here is purely on the intensity of the effort. It is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal written reports or professional emails.
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.
