zi3 ming6致命
Jyutpingzi3 ming6
Yaleji mihng
Definition
Fatal, lethal, or life-threatening.
neutralhealthdescriptions
How it's used
While often used in formal news reports to describe accidents or diseases, it is also frequently used metaphorically in daily life to describe a critical flaw or a devastating mistake. It carries a much heavier, more serious tone than simply saying something is bad or wrong. When applied to people, it usually implies a life-threatening situation rather than just a metaphorical failure.
Examples
This mistake is fatal.
He sustained a fatal injury and is in critical condition.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 攞命, which is a much more colloquial and versatile term used to describe anything from a deadly situation to something that is simply extremely exhausting or annoying.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
