zi6 man5自刎
Jyutpingzi6 man5
Yalejih máhn
Definition
To commit suicide by slitting one's own throat.
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How it's used
This term is almost exclusively associated with historical contexts, martial arts fiction, or dramatic storytelling. It carries a heavy, literary weight that implies a sense of honor or tragic finality, making it sound extremely unnatural if used to describe modern, everyday suicide attempts. In contemporary speech, one would simply use 自殺 or 攞命.
Examples
He chose to end his life by slitting his throat in despair.
Would ancient generals commit suicide by slitting their throats after losing a battle?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for suicide, but it specifically refers to the act of cutting one's own throat. Using it to describe other methods of suicide will cause significant confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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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.
