siu1 taan3燒炭烧炭
Jyutpingsiu1 taan3
Yalesīu taan
Definition
To commit suicide by charcoal burning in a sealed space, causing carbon monoxide poisoning.
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How it's used
This term is exclusively used to describe a specific method of suicide involving carbon monoxide poisoning. It carries a heavy, somber tone and is almost always used in news reports or serious discussions about mental health. Avoid using it in any casual or metaphorical context, as it is strictly associated with this tragic act.
Examples
He was under so much pressure that he actually thought about committing suicide by charcoal-burning.
The newspaper says someone committed suicide by charcoal-burning in a hotel room.
Related words
Common phrases
to commit suicide by charcoal-burning
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of burning charcoal for a barbecue, which is usually described as 燒烤 or 燒嘢食. Using 燒炭 in a social context like a party will cause significant confusion or alarm.
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.
