zi2 zeoi3 gam1 mai4紙醉金迷纸醉金迷
Jyutpingzi2 zeoi3 gam1 mai4
Yalejí jeui gām màih
Definition
Splendid, beautiful, and luxurious, typically describing an environment or lifestyle.
colloquialdescriptionsmoney
How it's used
Refers primarily to a lifestyle or environment that is excessively luxurious, hedonistic, or gaudy. It carries a subtle critical undertone, implying that such indulgence might be hollow or morally questionable. While it literally evokes images of gold and paper, it is rarely used to describe simple beauty or aesthetic appeal.
Examples
The decor here is so extravagant and flashy, it's over the top.
Do you really enjoy living this kind of decadent, luxurious life?
Related words
Common phrases
a decadent and luxurious lifestyle
a world of glitz and glamour
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person or object that is simply pretty or attractive. It is reserved for environments or lifestyles characterized by extreme, often superficial, wealth and indulgence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
