cam4 cung5沈重
Jyutpingcam4 cung5
Yalechàhm chúhng
Definition
Heavy, leaden, or somber.
- heavy in physical weight
- somber, grave, or weighed down with worry
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Describes emotional weight or a serious, oppressive atmosphere rather than physical weight. It is frequently used to characterize the mood of a room or a person's internal state after hearing bad news. While it can be written as 沉重, the character 沈 is a common variant used in Hong Kong for this specific meaning.
Examples
He is feeling very heavy-hearted.
Why is the atmosphere so somber?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the physical weight of an object, as that would be 重 or 笨重. It is strictly reserved for abstract, psychological, or situational heaviness.
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.
