ging1 wong4 sat1 cou3驚惶失措惊惶失措
Jyutpingging1 wong4 sat1 cou3
Yalegīng wòhng sāt chou
Definition
Panic-stricken; so frightened that one loses their presence of mind and does not know what to do.
writtenemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom that describes a state of extreme, visible panic where someone loses their composure and ability to think clearly. While it is perfectly understood in speech, it carries a slightly literary or dramatic weight, so it is often used to describe someone's reaction in a serious or intense situation rather than minor daily worries.
Examples
When the fire broke out, he ran out in a state of panic.
Why are you panicking like that? Calm down first.
Related words
Common phrases
to appear panic-stricken
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple feeling of fear, but it specifically implies a loss of control or a chaotic reaction to a crisis. If you are just feeling nervous or scared, use 驚 or 驚青 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
