jan1氤
Jyutpingjan1
Yaleyān
Definition
Generative forces of nature, or hanging fog.
- literarygenerative forces of nature; yin and yang
- literaryhanging fog; mist
writtennatureweather
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in the compound 氤氳 to describe a thick, pervasive mist or the atmospheric energy of a place. It is a literary term that rarely appears in casual speech, often reserved for poetic descriptions of nature or traditional aesthetics. Using it in everyday conversation might sound overly formal or pretentious.
Examples
There is a lot of fog hanging over the mountain.
The air here is misty and filled with vapor, it is very comfortable.
Related words
Common phrases
misty and vaporous
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common weather term, but it is not used to describe standard rainy or cloudy weather. It specifically refers to an ethereal, lingering quality of mist or vapor.
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.
