beng6 jung4病容
Jyutpingbeng6 jung4
Yalebehng yùhng
Definition
A sickly, weak, or worn-out appearance of a person.
writtenpeoplehealth
How it's used
This term is primarily used in written or formal contexts to describe someone who looks pale, weak, or unwell. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people are much more likely to use descriptive phrases like 殘殘哋 or 冇精神 instead of this specific noun. It carries a slightly literary or journalistic tone, often appearing in news reports or formal storytelling.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been sick for a few days and looks sickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word in casual conversation to describe a friend who is just tired or hungover, as it sounds overly dramatic and formal. It is reserved for situations where the person actually appears physically ill or frail.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
