sei3 goek3 ciu4 tin1四腳朝天四脚朝天
Jyutpingsei3 goek3 ciu4 tin1
Yalesei geuk chìuh tīn
Definition
To fall flat on one's back, with arms and legs in the air, or to refer to being dead.
- to fall flat on one's back with arms and legs in the air
- slangdead
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Visual imagery is key here, as it describes the specific posture of someone or something lying on their back with limbs pointing upwards. While it can be used to describe a comical or accidental fall, it is also frequently used as a euphemism for death, particularly when referring to animals or in a dark, humorous context regarding people.
Examples
He was careless while walking and fell flat on his back.
The turtle is flipped over, lying on its back and can't move.
Related words
Common phrases
to fall flat on one's back
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone simply lying down comfortably on a bed, as it implies an awkward, helpless, or accidental position rather than a relaxed one.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
