jam1 jing2陰影阴影
Jyutpingjam1 jing2
Yaleyām yíng
Definition
Shadow, or a psychological shadow left by an unpleasant experience.
- a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface
- figurativea psychological shadow; trauma or negative impact from a bad experience
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Beyond the literal physical darkness cast by an object, this term is frequently used to describe lasting psychological trauma or emotional baggage. When used in this metaphorical sense, it often appears in the phrase 有陰影, meaning to be traumatized or haunted by a past negative experience. It captures a sense of lingering unease that continues to affect someone's current behavior.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He stood under the tree, avoiding the shadows.
Does that childhood incident still leave you with any psychological trauma?
Related words
Common phrases
to leave a psychological scar
psychological trauma
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 影子, which refers to the silhouette or the physical image of a person or object itself. 陰影 specifically emphasizes the dark area or the metaphorical stain on one's psyche, whereas 影子 is the shape cast on the ground.
Grammar color guide
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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.
