hoeng1 si1鄉思乡思
Jyutpinghoeng1 si1
Yalehēung sī
Definition
Homesickness; longing for one's hometown.
writtenemotionpeople
How it's used
Literary and formal in tone, this term is rarely used in casual daily conversation. Most speakers prefer the more descriptive phrase 想家 to express the feeling of missing home. It is primarily encountered in written prose, poetry, or when discussing the emotional state of someone living abroad.
Examples
He has been away from home for so long, how could he not feel homesick?
Every time the holidays come around, I feel particularly homesick.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday speech as it sounds overly poetic or dramatic. Use 想家 instead for normal situations.
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.
