fu1 wai2枯萎
Jyutpingfu1 wai2
Yalefū wái
Definition
To wither, wilt, or shrivel up due to lack of water or nutrients.
neutralnature
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical process of plants losing vitality due to lack of water or nutrients. While it can metaphorically describe a person losing spirit or energy, it sounds quite formal or literary in those contexts. For everyday speech regarding plants, people often prefer using the more descriptive 謝咗 or 乾晒.
Examples
Nobody watered this pot of flowers, so they wilted very quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe people who are simply tired or bored, as it sounds overly dramatic or clinical. It is strictly reserved for biological wilting or severe, poetic descriptions of decay.
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.
