zi6 gam1 do6 lok6自甘墮落自甘堕落
Jyutpingzi6 gam1 do6 lok6
Yalejih gām doh lohk
Definition
To give up on oneself; to willingly abandon oneself to vice or degradation.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of moral or personal disappointment, often used when someone stops trying to improve their life or falls into bad habits. It implies a conscious choice to let oneself go rather than just being unlucky or facing external failure. The tone is judgmental and usually reserved for serious situations rather than minor setbacks.
Examples
He has given up on himself and hides at home playing video games all day.
Don't keep giving up on yourself like this, pull yourself together!
Related words
Common phrases
to completely give up on oneself
Common mistake
Often confused with simply being lazy or failing at a task. It specifically describes a state of mind where one has lost the will to maintain their own standards or dignity, rather than just lacking motivation for a specific project.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
