jim1 jim1奄奄
Jyutpingjim1 jim1
Yaleyīm yīm
Definition
Dying, weak, or barely breathing; also used figuratively to describe something in decline or decay.
- dying; weak and barely breathing
- figurativein decline; decaying; facing impending doom
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily to describe the final, fragile state of something or someone nearing an end. While it can apply to physical health, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe failing businesses, dying industries, or projects that have lost all momentum. It carries a sense of pity or resignation regarding the inevitable collapse.
Examples
The shop's business is dying and it is about to close down.
Related words
Common phrases
on the verge of death
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general fatigue or being tired. It specifically implies a state of near-death or terminal decline, making it far too dramatic for describing someone who is just sleepy or exhausted.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
