zam3 haam4 seoi2浸鹹水浸咸水

Jyutpingzam3 haam4 seoi2

Yalejam hàahm séui

動詞

Definition

To study or live abroad.

colloquialpeopletravel

How it's used

This expression carries a slightly playful or informal tone when describing someone who has returned from overseas. It implies that the person has been transformed by their time abroad, often suggesting a change in perspective or language ability. It is specifically used for people who have spent a significant amount of time in Western countries, rather than just a short holiday.

Examples

keoi5佢heoi3去zo2咗jing1英gwok3國zam3浸haam4鹹seoi2水，faan1返lai4嚟zi1之hau6後sing4成go3個jan4人m4唔tung4同saai3晒。

He went to the UK to study abroad, and he is a completely different person since he came back.

nei5你gei2幾si4時daa2打syun3算heoi3去ngoi6外gwok3國zam3浸haam4鹹seoi2水aa4呀？

When do you plan on going abroad to study or live?

Common phrases

zam6浸gwo3過haam4鹹seoi2水

has had the experience of living or studying abroad

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a short vacation or a business trip, as it specifically implies a period of living or studying long enough to be influenced by the foreign culture. It is also not used for people who have moved to nearby Asian countries, as the imagery of crossing the ocean is central to the phrase.