seoi2 sam1 fo2 jit6水深火熱水深火热
Jyutpingseoi2 sam1 fo2 jit6
Yaleséui sām fó yiht
Definition
To live in extreme misery or plunge into an abyss of suffering.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe a state of extreme hardship or suffering, often implying a lack of basic necessities or safety. While it sounds quite dramatic, it is frequently used in casual conversation to exaggerate personal or social struggles. It carries a heavy, serious tone that contrasts with the lighthearted nature of many Cantonese colloquialisms.
Examples
The economy is so bad lately that many small shops are suffering greatly.
Related words
Common phrases
to live in a state of great misery
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a physical environment, but it is strictly used to describe abstract situations like poverty, political turmoil, or overwhelming stress. Avoid using it to describe simple physical discomfort like being hot or wet.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
