zik6 mat6 jan4植物人
Jyutpingzik6 mat6 jan4
Yalejihk maht yàhn
Definition
A patient in a persistent vegetative state.
neutralhealthpeople
How it's used
This term is used to describe someone in a persistent vegetative state, carrying a heavy and somber tone. While it literally translates to plant person, it is a standard medical and social descriptor rather than a casual insult. It specifically highlights the contrast between the loss of higher brain function and the continued operation of the brainstem.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He became a vegetable after the car accident, it is truly tragic.
The doctor said he is already in a vegetative state and has little chance of waking up.
Related words
Common phrases
to become a vegetable
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe someone who is simply lazy or inactive, as that is considered highly insensitive and offensive given the medical gravity of the condition.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
