hon4 ji3寒意
Jyutpinghon4 ji3
Yalehòhn yi
Definition
A feeling of coldness, caused either by chilly weather or by fear.
neutralweatheremotion
How it's used
Refers specifically to a sudden or subtle sensation of coldness, often used to describe the atmosphere or a physical reaction to fear. While it can describe weather, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe the feeling of dread or unease when something creepy happens. It carries a slightly more literary or descriptive tone compared to just saying 凍.
Examples
The strong wind at night gives people a bit of a chill.
Hearing this news, a chill immediately ran down his spine.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the actual temperature of an object or a person feeling sick from the cold. It describes the sensation or the atmosphere rather than a measured temperature.
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.
