seon1殉
Jyutpingseon1
Yalesēun
Definition
To sacrifice one's life for a cause, principle, or duty.
writtenpeoplework
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in formal compound words rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. It carries a heavy, solemn tone associated with duty, loyalty, or extreme devotion. You will rarely hear it outside of news reports or formal discussions regarding someone who has died in a professional or heroic capacity.
Examples
He sacrificed his life to save others while on duty, he is truly great.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for dying, but it specifically implies a noble or duty-bound sacrifice. Using it to describe a normal death or an accident sounds extremely unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
