heoi1 hei1噓唏嘘唏
Jyutpingheoi1 hei1
Yalehēui hēi
Definition
To sigh or gasp in grief, regret, or despair.
neutralemotion
How it's used
Used to describe a feeling of melancholy or sorrow when reflecting on the passage of time or the decline of something once great. It carries a literary weight that makes it sound slightly more formal or poetic than everyday speech, often appearing in written articles or reflective conversation. It is distinct from a simple physical sigh, as it specifically implies a sense of regret or nostalgia.
Examples
Seeing this scene really makes one sigh with emotion.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple physical reaction to boredom or exhaustion, as it is strictly reserved for emotional reflection on past events or changing circumstances.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
