seoi4 sei2垂死
Jyutpingseoi4 sei2
Yalesèuih séi
Definition
Dying, moribund, or on the verge of death.
neutralhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the final, critical stage of something failing or ending, rather than just the biological act of dying. It is frequently used metaphorically to describe businesses, projects, or political movements that are beyond the point of recovery. The tone is dramatic and often carries a sense of inevitability.
Examples
He is so sick he looks like he is dying, it is really pitiful.
This company is already on its last legs, who would still be willing to invest?
Related words
Common phrases
a last-ditch struggle
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply ill or unwell, as it implies the situation is irreversible and terminal. For general sickness, stick to using 病 or 唔舒服.
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.
