bat1 zan3不振
Jyutpingbat1 zan3
Yalebāt jan
Definition
Sluggish, depressed, or in a slump.
neutralworkdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on a lack of vitality or a downward trend in performance, often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe economic conditions or personal motivation. While it can describe a person's state of mind, it is more commonly encountered in news reports or professional discussions regarding market trends or business sectors.
Examples
The economy has been sluggish lately, and many shops have closed down.
He has been in a bad mood lately and is very sluggish at work.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical tiredness or sleepiness, as it refers more to a lack of spirit, drive, or prosperity rather than simple fatigue.
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.
