seoi1 zo2衰咗
Jyutpingseoi1 zo2
Yalesēui jó
Definition
To mess up, fail, or make a mistake.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a sense of disappointment or bad luck, often implying that the outcome was worse than expected. It is frequently used to describe failing a test, losing a game, or getting into trouble due to a poor decision. The tone is informal and personal, focusing on the negative result rather than the technical reason for the failure.
Examples
I failed the exam this time and have to retake it.
Related words
Common phrases
to end in failure
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a formal business failure or a technical breakdown, as it sounds too casual and implies a personal lapse in judgment. It is not suitable for professional settings where a more neutral term like 失敗 is preferred.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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Adverb
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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.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- 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.
