gu1 ling1 ling1孤伶伶

Jyutpinggu1 ling1 ling1

Yalegū līng līng

Rare

Definition

Solitary, lonely, or all alone.

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How it's used

Emphasizes a sense of isolation or being left behind, often carrying a slightly melancholic or pathetic tone. It is frequently used to describe someone who is physically by themselves in a way that highlights their lack of company. The reduplicated structure adds a descriptive, almost poetic quality to the state of loneliness.

Examples

keoi5佢jat1一go3個jan4人gu1孤ling1伶ling1伶co5坐喺hai2公gung1園。

He is sitting all alone in the park.

zou6做mat1乜nei5你gu1孤ling1伶ling1伶kei5企hai2喺dou6度aa4呀？

Why are you standing there all by yourself?

Common phrases

gu1孤ling1伶ling1伶jat1一go3個

all by one's lonesome

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe being alone in a neutral or positive sense, such as enjoying solitude, as it strongly implies a feeling of being deserted or forlorn.