sek6 cam4 daai6 hoi2石沉大海
Jyutpingsek6 cam4 daai6 hoi2
Yalesehk chàhm daaih hói
Definition
To vanish without a trace; to disappear or have no further news, like a stone sinking into the sea.
colloquialcommunicationother
How it's used
Used primarily to describe situations where an inquiry, request, or object has been sent out and never returned or acknowledged. It carries a sense of frustration or finality, implying that whatever was sent is now irretrievable. It is a common idiom that fits well in both formal writing and casual conversation.
Examples
I sent a letter, but it disappeared without a trace.
Did the money you lent him end up disappearing without a trace?
Common phrases
the result was that it disappeared without a trace
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person who has physically gone missing or a lost object that might still be found. It specifically refers to the lack of response or feedback regarding an action taken.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
