zam6 sei2沉死
Jyutpingzam6 sei2
Yalejahm séi
Definition
To commit suicide by drowning.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This term is a highly colloquial and blunt way to refer to suicide. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is often used in emotional or dramatic contexts when someone is expressing extreme distress or making threats. It is not a clinical term and should be used with extreme caution due to the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Examples
He keeps saying he wants to commit suicide, which scares his family.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the standard Mandarin term 自殺. While 自殺 is understood in Hong Kong, 沉死 is a specific, raw, and informal Cantonese expression that sounds much more visceral to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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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.
