seoi4 ngai4垂危
Jyutpingseoi4 ngai4
Yalesèuih ngàih
Definition
Critically ill; close to death.
writtenhealth
How it's used
Reserved for formal or medical contexts, this term carries a heavy and serious tone. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing a patient's status in a clinical setting. Unlike general terms for being sick, it specifically denotes the final stage before death.
Examples
The doctor said his condition is critical and he needs to go to the intensive care unit.
The patient was already critical when sent to the hospital and could not be saved.
Related words
Common phrases
condition is critical
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply very sick or in a bad mood, as it specifically implies an imminent risk of death. For general severe illness, use 情況嚴重 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
