bun3 hung1半空
Jyutpingbun3 hung1
Yalebun hūng
Definition
Half empty; half of the space is empty.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Unlike English where half empty and half full are common, Cantonese speakers often prefer to describe the state of a container by focusing on what remains inside. Using 半空 is perfectly understood, but you will frequently hear people say 仲有半杯水 or 飲剩一半 to describe the same situation.
Examples
The cup is still half empty, you should finish it.
Why is your water bottle only half empty?
Related words
Common phrases
a half empty bottle
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.
