fui3 han6悔恨
Jyutpingfui3 han6
Yalefui hahn
Definition
To regret deeply; to be bitterly remorseful.
writtenemotion
How it's used
Carries a much heavier, more literary weight than the common spoken word 後悔. While 後悔 is used for everyday regrets like missing a bus or ordering the wrong dish, 悔恨 implies a profound, soul-searching sense of guilt or bitterness over major life choices or moral failings. It is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation.
Examples
He has done so many wrong things and is now filled with deep remorse.
You shouldn't always dwell on past regrets in life.
Related words
Common phrases
to feel deep remorse
to regret for the rest of one's life
Common mistake
Learners often use 悔恨 in situations where 後悔 is more appropriate, making the speaker sound overly dramatic or like they are reciting a formal novel. Stick to 後悔 for standard daily regrets to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
