zing1 san4 fan1 lit6精神分裂

Jyutpingzing1 san4 fan1 lit6

Yalejīng sành fān lith

Definition

Schizophrenia

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How it's used

Medical professionals and the public now prefer the term 思覺失調 to avoid the stigma associated with this older label. While still understood in a clinical context, the term is frequently used colloquially as a metaphor for someone who is inconsistent, hypocritical, or exhibits contradictory behavior. Using it this way can be considered offensive to those living with the condition, so it is best to avoid it in serious conversation.

Examples

keoi5 seng4 jat6 gong2 jat1 tou3 zou6 jat1 tou3 gaan2 zik6 hai6 zing1 san4 fan1 lit6 gam3

佢成日講一套做一套，簡直係精神分裂咁。

He always says one thing and does another, it's like he's schizophrenic.

nei5 hai6 mai6 zing1 san4 fan1 lit6 aa4 tau4 sin1 waa6 hou2 ji4 gaa1 jau6 waa6 m4 hou2

你係咪精神分裂呀？頭先話好，而家又話唔好。

Are you schizophrenic? You said it was good just now, but now you say it's not.

Common phrases

zing1 san4 fan1 lit6 zing3

精神分裂症

schizophrenia (clinical term)

Common mistake

Do not use this term to describe someone who has multiple personalities, as that is a completely different condition known as 解離性身分疾患. Using it to describe simple mood swings or indecisiveness is also factually incorrect and potentially insensitive.