cam2寢寝
Jyutpingcam2
Yalechám
Definition
To sleep or go to bed.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
Literary and formal, this character is almost never used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. It is primarily encountered in set idioms such as 寢食不安 or 寢室. For the act of sleeping, always use 瞓覺 instead.
Examples
He has been uneasy lately, as if he has something on his mind.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this character in daily speech because it appears in dictionaries, but using it to mean 'to sleep' in a casual conversation will sound extremely unnatural or archaic.
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.
