hei3 loi4 hei3 cyun2氣來氣喘气来气喘
Jyutpinghei3 loi4 hei3 cyun2
Yalehei lòih hei chyún
Definition
Gasping for breath; short of breath or breathing with difficulty due to physical exertion.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the physical sensation of being winded or struggling to catch one's breath. It is often used to describe someone who is out of shape or has been exerting themselves beyond their current capacity. While it functions as a descriptive phrase, it carries a slightly informal tone that emphasizes the visible distress of the person breathing heavily.
Examples
He was gasping for breath after running and sat there catching his breath.
Related words
Common phrases
gasping for breath while walking
gasping for breath after running
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general tiredness, but it specifically refers to respiratory distress or being winded rather than just feeling sleepy or exhausted.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
