zi6 ce4治邪
Jyutpingzi6 ce4
Yalejih chèh
Definition
To treat an illness by removing harmful elements from the body.
colloquialhealth
How it's used
This term is heavily rooted in traditional Chinese medicine concepts where illness is often viewed as an external pathogen or negative energy invading the body. It carries a more archaic or folk-medicine nuance compared to standard medical terms like 醫病. You will mostly hear it used by older generations or in contexts involving herbal medicine and holistic healing.
Examples
He always says he wants to find a TCM doctor to treat his illness.
Related words
Common phrases
specializing in treating illnesses
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of exorcism or religious rituals, as the term specifically targets physical health issues in a medical context. Using it in a modern clinical setting with a Western-trained doctor will sound very strange.
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
