jam2 han6飲恨饮恨
Jyutpingjam2 han6
Yaleyám hahn
Definition
To fail or suffer defeat when victory is almost achieved; to swallow one's regret.
writtensportsemotion
How it's used
This term is primarily used in sports, competitions, or political contexts to describe a bitter, narrow defeat after a long struggle. It carries a sense of deep frustration and lingering regret, rather than just a simple loss. You will frequently encounter it in news headlines or sports reporting when a team or candidate loses by a very small margin.
Examples
They failed at the final hurdle and didn't win the championship.
Are you unhappy because you fell short of victory last time?
Related words
Common phrases
to fall short of victory once again
to be eliminated after a narrow defeat
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe everyday failures like failing a routine test or missing a bus. It is reserved for high-stakes situations where success was within reach but ultimately slipped away.
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.
