hei1欷
Jyutpinghei1
Yalehēi
Definition
To sob or sigh.
writtenemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This character is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese, where people overwhelmingly prefer the compound 喊 or the descriptive 嗚咽. It carries a more literary or dramatic weight, often appearing in written narratives or formal descriptions of intense grief. Using it in casual conversation can sound overly poetic or archaic.
Examples
She is sobbing quietly inside the room.
Related words
Common phrases
to sob and sigh
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唏, which is part of the expression 唏噓 and relates to sighing or feelings of melancholy rather than the physical act of sobbing.
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.
