jan1 hei2欣喜
Jyutpingjan1 hei2
Yaleyān héi
Definition
To become joyful; to feel happy or delighted.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This term is primarily found in formal writing or literary contexts rather than daily speech. In casual conversation, Cantonese speakers almost always prefer using 高興 or 開心 to express the same sentiment. Using it in a relaxed setting can make you sound like you are reading from a book or trying to sound overly dramatic.
Examples
He was overjoyed the moment he heard the good news.
Seeing you so joyful makes me happy too.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this as a direct substitute for the everyday adjective 開心. It carries a more intense, formal, or literary weight that feels unnatural when describing simple, mundane happiness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
