cong3愴怆
Jyutpingcong3
Yalechong
Definition
Mournful, sorrowful, or grieved.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in the formal compound 愴然, which describes a state of deep sorrow or a sudden feeling of grief. It is rarely used as a standalone verb or adjective in modern spoken Cantonese. You will mostly encounter it in written literature or poetic descriptions of someone's emotional state.
Examples
Seeing this scene really makes me feel mournful.
The mournful look on their face makes people feel very uncomfortable.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 創, which shares a similar sound but refers to creating or wounding. Do not use 愴 in contexts involving physical injury or starting something new.
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.
