ji3 jyun6意願意愿
Jyutpingji3 jyun6
Yaleyi yuhn
Definition
Wish, desire, or aspiration; what one hopes to achieve.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses on a person's internal willingness or personal preference rather than a simple desire for an object. It often appears in formal contexts like legal documents or institutional policies, though it is perfectly natural in serious personal discussions. It carries a sense of agency, implying that the person has the power to choose or decide their own path.
Examples
He really respects your wishes and won't force you to do anything.
Do you have a strong desire to develop your career abroad?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 想, which is a simple verb for wanting something. Unlike 想, 意願 is a noun that describes a state of mind or a formal intention, making it sound awkward if used in casual requests like asking for a drink.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
