jim1淹
Jyutpingjim1
Yaleyīm
Definition
To flood, submerge, or cover with water.
neutralweathernature
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or news contexts when describing natural disasters like heavy rain or rising tides. In everyday speech, people prefer using phrases like 水浸 or 浸親 to describe flooded areas or submerged objects. It carries a sense of severity and is rarely used for minor spills or small amounts of water.
Examples
The heavy rain caused the whole street to be flooded.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 浸, which is the standard colloquial verb for being submerged or soaked in water. Using 淹 in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or like you are reading from a news report.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
