can4 hei3塵氣尘气
Jyutpingcan4 hei3
Yalechàhn hei
Definition
High spirit; energy or vigor.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a state of being lively, energetic, or talkative, often implying a slightly restless or hyperactive mood. It is frequently used to describe someone who is unusually excited or full of beans, sometimes with a hint of being slightly over the top.
Examples
He is in high spirits today, talking non-stop.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of dust, which is 塵. While the characters look like dust and air, the compound has evolved to describe a person's temperament rather than anything related to cleanliness.
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.
