sik1 san1惜身
Jyutpingsik1 san1
Yalesīk sān
Definition
To look after and care for one's body, or to be overly protective of oneself.
colloquialhealthpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the act of self preservation and avoiding unnecessary physical strain or danger. It is often used as a gentle piece of advice for someone who is overworking or engaging in risky behavior. Unlike general health advice, it carries a sense of valuing one's own physical integrity.
Examples
You should take better care of yourself and stop staying up late all the time.
He is so old yet still goes hiking, he really needs to take care of his health.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 惜物, which refers to being thrifty or cherishing material objects. Learners sometimes mistake it for a formal medical term, but it is actually a common, slightly old fashioned way to tell someone to look after their health.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
