am2 jin4黯然
Jyutpingam2 jin4
Yaleám yìhn
Definition
Dejected, crestfallen, or looking sad and disappointed.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Describes a specific kind of quiet, internal sadness or loss of spirit rather than outward crying or anger. It is often used to depict someone who has suffered a defeat or a sudden realization of failure. The term carries a literary weight, so it is more common in written descriptions or formal storytelling than in casual, everyday banter.
Examples
After losing the match, he walked away looking dejected.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical pain or simple boredom. It specifically refers to the emotional state of being disheartened or crushed by disappointment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- 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.



