tam3 sei2 jan4氹死人
Jyutpingtam3 sei2 jan4
Yaletam séi yàhn
Definition
To charm someone excessively, to the point of completely winning them over.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This phrase describes an action or quality so endearing or persuasive that it feels like it could kill with sweetness. It is frequently used to describe children or pets who are naturally adorable, or adults who use flattery to get their way. The tone is lighthearted and often implies that the speaker is completely disarmed by the subject.
Examples
He speaks so sweetly, it's enough to charm anyone.
You look so cute, it's just irresistibly charming.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not take the word 死 literally as death. It functions as an intensifier here, similar to how English speakers might say something is cute to death.
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.
