zoi6 sai3在世
Jyutpingzoi6 sai3
Yalejoih sai
Definition
To be alive; to be living in the world.
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
Focuses on the state of being alive rather than the act of living. It is frequently used when discussing the status of elderly relatives or ancestors to clarify whether they have passed away. While formal in tone, it remains the standard way to express this concept in both speech and writing.
Examples
Grandpa is still alive and in good health.
His father is still alive, so don't talk nonsense.
Related words
Common phrases
still alive
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 喺度, which refers to being physically present at a location. Using 在世 to mean someone is currently in the room will sound like you are referring to their mortality rather than their presence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
