sek3 san1錫身锡身

Jyutpingsek3 san1

Yalesek sān

形容詞

Definition

To take great care of one's body, health, and physical well-being.

to take good care of one's health and physical well-being
slangto be afraid of dying or getting hurt

colloquialhealthpeople

How it's used

Focuses on the deliberate act of protecting one's physical well-being, often implying a cautious or health-conscious lifestyle. It carries a slightly playful or teasing tone when used to describe someone who is overly protective of their health or afraid of getting sick. The term is deeply rooted in the cultural emphasis on maintaining internal balance and avoiding unnecessary physical strain.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好sek3錫san1身㗎，gaa4凍dung3少siu2少siu2都dou1即zik1刻hak1加gaa1件gin2衫。

He really takes care of himself; he puts on an extra layer the moment it gets a bit cold.

nei5你gam3咁sek3錫san1身，bat1不jyu4如zou2早di1啲faan1返uk1屋kei2企jau1休sik1息laa1啦。

Since you are so careful about your health, why don't you go home and rest early?

Common phrases

hou2好sek3錫san1身

very health-conscious

m4唔gau3夠sek3錫san1身

not taking enough care of one's health

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 錫, which is a common verb meaning to kiss or to love/cherish someone else. While 錫身 uses the same character for love, it specifically refers to self-preservation rather than affection for others.