jau1 sam1 jyu4 fan4憂心如焚忧心如焚
Jyutpingjau1 sam1 jyu4 fan4
Yaleyāu sām yùh fàhn
Definition
To be dreadfully worried and anxious; consuming anxiety as if one's heart is on fire.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, literary tone that contrasts sharply with casual Cantonese speech. It is typically reserved for extreme situations where someone is experiencing intense, consuming distress or panic. Using it in everyday conversation about minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic or ironic.
Examples
Seeing that her son hasn't come home yet, she is truly burning with anxiety.
Why are you so dreadfully worried? There is always a way to solve it.
Related words
Common phrases
in a state of burning anxiety
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective like 擔心, but it is a formal idiom that should be used sparingly. It is not suitable for describing routine concerns or mild nervousness.
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.
