jan2忍
Jyutpingjan2
Yaleyán
Definition
To endure, bear, tolerate, or withstand something unpleasant.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the internal struggle of suppressing an emotional or physical reaction to something unpleasant. It is often used as a standalone verb to express the act of holding back, such as holding back laughter or tears. When paired with particles like 唔住, it emphasizes the moment when one reaches their limit and can no longer maintain that restraint.
Examples
What he said was so offensive, how can you tolerate it?
I endured it for a long time, and finally, I snapped.
Related words
Common phrases
cannot help but; unable to hold back
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 忍 with 容忍. While 忍 is a general verb for enduring, 容忍 specifically implies a level of tolerance or acceptance towards someone else's behavior or a situation, often carrying a slightly more formal or judgmental tone.
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.
