shorten one's lifespan; lose longevity
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to shorten one's life; to lose lifespan (according to superstition, from excessive enjoyment or honor)
Used in superstitious or folk contexts to suggest that receiving excessive luxury, praise, or honor can reduce one's lifespan. Often used self-deprecatingly when receiving compliments or special treatment.
Nín您
zhè这
me么
tái抬
jǔ举
wǒ我
，
zhēn真
shi是
zhé折
shòu寿
a啊
！
You praise me so highly, it's really shortening my life!
Chī吃
zhè这
me么
hǎo好
de的
dōng东
xi西
，
wǒ我
pà怕
zhé折
shòu寿
。
Eating such fine food, I'm afraid I'll shorten my lifespan.
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Lǎo老
rén人
jiā家
shuō说
，
shòu受
bu不
qǐ起
zhè这
yàng样
de的
dà大
lǐ礼
，
huì会
zhé折
shòu寿
de的
。
The old man said he couldn't accept such a great courtesy, it would shorten his life.
Nín您
gěi给
wǒ我
jū鞠
gōng躬
，
zhè这
bù不
shì是
zhé折
wǒ我
de的
shòu寿
ma吗
？
You bow to me—aren't you shortening my lifespan?