fan1 san4分神
Jyutpingfan1 san4
Yalefān sàhn
Definition
To get distracted or fail to concentrate.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the loss of concentration due to external stimuli or wandering thoughts. It is frequently used in contexts involving work, study, or driving where maintaining focus is critical. Unlike more general terms for being absent-minded, this implies a shift of attention away from the primary task.
Examples
He is always looking at his phone, which makes him easily distracted at work.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 走神, which is common in Mandarin but not native to Cantonese. While some speakers may understand 走神, using 分神 is the standard way to express this concept in Hong Kong.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
