bei1 dung6悲慟悲恸
Jyutpingbei1 dung6
Yalebēi duhng
Definition
Deeply grieved; feeling extreme sorrow or sadness.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This term carries a heavy, formal weight that is rarely used in casual small talk. It is typically reserved for written reports, news coverage, or serious literary descriptions of intense mourning. Using it in everyday conversation to describe minor sadness will sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Examples
Upon hearing the news, he was so deeply grieved he couldn't speak.
Facing the passing of a loved one, who could not be deeply grieved?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general word for sad, but it specifically describes profound, overwhelming grief. Use 唔開心 or 傷心 for everyday sadness instead.
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.
