seoi1 ngaang6衰硬

Jyutpingseoi1 ngaang6

Yalesēui ngaahng

Definition

Bound to fail; certain to end up in a bad situation.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

The suffix 硬 adds a sense of inevitability to the preceding verb, functioning as an intensifier that leaves no room for doubt. It is almost exclusively used to describe negative outcomes or situations where someone is heading toward a disaster. While it can be applied to various verbs, it is most frequently paired with 衰 to emphasize a guaranteed failure.

Examples

nei5你gam3咁joeng2樣zou6做saang1生ji3意，jat1一ding6定seoi1衰ngaang6硬㗎。

If you do business like that, you are bound to fail.

mou5冇zeon2準bei6備zau6就heoi3去haau2考，hai6係mai6咪soeng2想seoi1衰ngaang6硬aa4呀？

Are you trying to fail for sure by going to the exam without preparation?

Common phrases

jat1一ding6定seoi1衰ngaang6硬

definitely going to fail

zyu3注ding6定seoi1衰ngaang6硬

destined to fail

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a standard adjective, but it is a colloquial construction that acts as a predicative complement. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings as it carries a blunt, informal tone.