fai3 jim4肺炎
Jyutpingfai3 jim4
Yalefai yìhm
Definition
Pneumonia; inflammation of the lungs, typically caused by bacteria or viruses.
neutralhealth
How it's used
This term is used in both formal medical contexts and everyday conversation when discussing serious illnesses. It is commonly preceded by the verb 患上 when describing the act of contracting the disease. While it specifically refers to the medical condition, people often use it to emphasize the severity of a persistent cough or respiratory distress.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
He is so sick, could it be that he has pneumonia?
The doctor said his lungs are inflamed and diagnosed him with pneumonia.
Related words
Common phrases
atypical pneumonia
to contract pneumonia
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 肺炎 with general terms like 感冒 or 傷風. It is important to remember that 肺炎 is a specific, potentially life-threatening diagnosis that requires professional medical attention, whereas the others refer to the common cold or flu.
Grammar color guide
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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.



