bei1 tung3悲痛
Jyutpingbei1 tung3
Yalebēi tung
Definition
Grief-stricken, mournful, and deeply pained with sorrow.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This term is formal and carries a heavy, literary weight that is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation. It is typically reserved for written reports, news broadcasts, or serious discussions regarding tragic events or significant loss. In daily speech, people are much more likely to use 傷心 or 難過 to express sadness.
Examples
Upon hearing this news, he was so grief-stricken he couldn't speak.
Facing the passing of a loved one, who wouldn't feel grief-stricken?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe minor disappointments or everyday sadness, as it implies a profound, soul-crushing level of grief. Using it in a trivial context will sound overly dramatic or unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
