ho2 lin4可憐可怜
Jyutpingho2 lin4
Yalehó lìhn
Definition
To pity, sympathize with, or feel sorry for someone.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Expressing pity in Cantonese often leans towards the adjective 慘, which describes a situation or person as miserable or pathetic. While 可憐 functions as a verb, it carries a slightly more detached or judgmental tone than simply saying someone is 慘. It is frequently used in negative constructions to suggest that someone does not deserve sympathy due to their own poor choices.
Examples
Seeing how miserable he is, I feel quite sorry for him.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 可憐 as a direct translation for feeling sorry in the sense of an apology, which is better expressed as 唔好意思. Additionally, learners often mistake it for a purely emotional state, but it often implies a social judgment about whether the person is worthy of pity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
