zi1 sei2知死
Jyutpingzi1 sei2
Yalejī séi
Definition
To realize one's mistake, admit fault, or feel regret.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of being scolded or realizing the gravity of a situation after being caught. It is often used by parents or authority figures to demand an admission of guilt or a change in attitude. The phrase implies that the person has finally understood the negative consequences of their actions.
Examples
You should acknowledge your mistake since you did it wrong.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of knowing death, as it is strictly used to describe admitting fault or realizing one is in trouble. It is quite blunt and can sound aggressive depending on the tone used.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
