teoi3 faa3退化
Jyutpingteoi3 faa3
Yaleteui fa
Definition
To deteriorate or degenerate, especially of bodily functions over time.
neutralhealthbody
How it's used
While often used in medical contexts to describe physical or mental decline, this term is also frequently applied to skills or habits that have become rusty due to lack of practice. It carries a slightly formal or clinical tone compared to more casual ways of saying something has gotten worse. When referring specifically to cognitive decline in the elderly, it is the standard component in terms like 腦退化症.
Examples
As people age, it is inevitable that bodily functions will deteriorate.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe inanimate objects breaking down or losing quality, as it specifically implies a biological or functional regression of a living system. For mechanical items or general quality, use 變差 or 損壞 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
