sing1 sai1 lik6 kit3聲嘶力竭声嘶力竭
Jyutpingsing1 sai1 lik6 kit3
Yalesīng sāi lihk kit
Definition
Screaming or shouting until hoarse and exhausted.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of extreme vocal strain often caused by intense shouting, crying, or singing. It implies a total depletion of energy, capturing the physical desperation of someone who has pushed their voice to the absolute limit. It is frequently used to describe someone arguing or protesting vehemently.
Examples
He sang his heart out on stage until he was hoarse.
Related words
Common phrases
to scream until hoarse
to cry until hoarse
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of a sore throat or a cold. It specifically refers to the result of an intense, active effort like screaming or singing, rather than the passive symptom of an illness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
