seoi4垂

Jyutpingseoi4

Yalesèuih

語素Common

Definition

On the verge of, close to, or approaching.

writtendescriptionshealth

How it's used

This character functions primarily as a formal prefix in compound words to indicate a state that is imminent or about to happen. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese, appearing almost exclusively in set phrases related to critical or life-threatening situations. Its usage is restricted to formal or literary contexts, such as news reports or serious discussions about failing systems.

Examples

keoi5佢beng6病dou3到seoi4垂sei2死gam3咁joeng2樣，zan1真hai6係hou2好caam2慘。

He is on the verge of death, it is really miserable.

le1呢gaan1間gung1公si1司seoi4垂ngai4危，nei5你zung6仲soeng2想jap6入heoi3去zou6做？

This company is on the verge of collapse, you still want to work there?

Common phrases

seoi4垂sei2死

dying

seoi4垂ngai4危

in critical condition

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for the common verb meaning to hang down, but in the context of being on the verge of something, it is strictly a prefix. Do not use it to describe physical objects hanging, as that is a different usage entirely.