faan3 laam6氾濫泛滥
Jyutpingfaan3 laam6
Yalefaan laahm
Definition
To flood; to overflow.
neutralnaturedescriptions
How it's used
While primarily used for water, this term is frequently applied metaphorically to describe an excessive, uncontrolled spread of something negative, such as drugs, fake news, or cheap goods. It carries a strong sense of danger or social concern, implying that the situation has gone beyond manageable limits.
Examples
The heavy rain caused the river to overflow.
How bad is the sewage overflow here?
Related words
Common phrases
river flooding
to become a disaster due to overflow
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the simple act of spilling liquid, which is better described by 溢出 or 漏. 氾濫 specifically implies a large-scale, uncontrollable, and often destructive expansion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
