cyun2 sik1喘息
Jyutpingcyun2 sik1
Yalechyún sīk
Definition
To gasp or pant for breath; to catch one's breath or take a brief respite.
- to gasp; to pant; to breathe heavily
- to catch one's breath; to take a brief respite
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How it's used
Although 喘息 is a standard term, in everyday spoken Cantonese, people more frequently use the phrase 唞氣 to describe breathing or taking a break. Using 喘息 often carries a slightly more dramatic or literary tone, implying a moment of relief after intense pressure or physical exertion. It is commonly used in professional or formal contexts to describe a lack of breathing room in a schedule.
Examples
He is so busy that he doesn't even have time to catch his breath.
Related words
Common phrases
breathing room
a chance to catch one's breath
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can sometimes imply a more abstract 'respite' or 'breathing space' in a political or economic sense, which might sound slightly stiff if used in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
