wai4 syu1遺書遗书
Jyutpingwai4 syu1
Yalewàih syū
Definition
A suicide note or letter written by a person before taking their own life.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Distinguish clearly between 遺書 and 遺囑. 遺書 is specifically a final message written by someone before they die, often associated with suicide or a sudden departure, whereas 遺囑 is a formal legal document for distributing assets and property after death. Using 遺書 to refer to a will sounds morbid and incorrect.
Measure word
fung1封fūngExamples
He left behind a suicide note before he passed away.
Related words
Common phrases
to write a suicide note
to leave behind a suicide note
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 遺書 with 遺囑. Remember that 遺書 is for final words or suicide notes, while 遺囑 is strictly for legal inheritance matters.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
