zau2 sik1 coi4 hei3酒色財氣酒色财气

Jyutpingzau2 sik1 coi4 hei3

Yalejáu sīk chòih hei

名詞

Definition

A general term for social vices, moral corruption, and bad habits; literally referring to alcohol, lust, wealth, and anger.

neutralpeopleother

How it's used

This idiom functions as a collective noun for various moral failings or corrupting influences in society. It is often used to describe someone who has lost their way due to indulgence in worldly pleasures. While it sounds quite formal or literary, it is still frequently used in serious conversations to criticize someone's lifestyle.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日cam4沉mai4迷zau2酒sik1色coi4財hei3氣，zan1真hai6係mou5冇dak1得gau3救。

He is always obsessed with vices and is beyond saving.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得ni1呢go3個jan4人hai6係mai6咪zim1沾jim5染zo2咗zau2酒sik1色coi4財hei3氣？

Do you think this person has been corrupted by these kinds of vices?

Common phrases

cam4沉mai4迷zau2酒sik1色coi4財hei3氣

to be addicted to vices

zim1沾jim5染zau2酒sik1色coi4財hei3氣

to be corrupted by vices

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a single specific vice, as it is a set phrase meant to encompass the whole spectrum of moral decay. It is not used to describe a specific party or a single event, but rather a person's overall character or a societal trend.