tai3 sei2替死
Jyutpingtai3 sei2
Yaletai séi
Definition
To die or suffer in someone else's place.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, often grim connotation of bearing the consequences for another person's actions. It is most frequently encountered in the compound 替死鬼, which refers to a scapegoat or someone who takes the blame for a crime or failure they did not commit.
Examples
He didn't want to go to jail, so he actually found someone to take the fall.
Related words
Common phrases
scapegoat
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple substitution or replacement, as it specifically implies a life or death situation or severe punishment. Using it to describe someone covering a shift at work would be inappropriate and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
