jik1憶忆
Jyutpingjik1
Yaleyīk
Definition
To recall, reminisce, or bring back memories.
writtenother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal or literary morpheme in modern Cantonese, often appearing in compound words like 回憶 or 失憶. When used as a verb in everyday speech, native speakers almost exclusively prefer 諗返起 or 記得 instead. Using 憶 in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or poetic, as if you are reciting from a novel.
Examples
I suddenly recalled living there when I was a kid.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is rarely used as a standalone verb in daily life. Avoid using it in casual settings where 諗返起 is much more natural.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
