fung1 wan4風雲风云
Jyutpingfung1 wan4
Yalefūng wàhn
Definition
A stormy, unstable, or rapidly changing situation.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Refers to turbulent or unpredictable circumstances, often implying a power struggle or a sudden shift in authority. While it can describe weather, it is far more common in a metaphorical sense to describe office politics, social circles, or historical upheavals. It carries a dramatic weight that suggests a situation is not just difficult, but potentially volatile.
Examples
The company is going through a stormy period lately, everyone is scared.
Do you know how much drama and instability there is in this circle?
Related words
Common phrases
a sudden, dramatic change in the situation
to be all-powerful and influential
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple bad weather, as it sounds overly poetic or dramatic for a rainy day. It is strictly for complex, human-centered situations involving conflict or change.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
