jim5苒
Jyutpingjim5
Yaleyímh
Definition
Luxuriant growth; successively
writtennaturetime
How it's used
Literary characters like this are rarely used in spoken Cantonese and are almost exclusively found in written prose or poetry. Using it in daily conversation will sound highly unnatural or overly dramatic. It is typically reserved for describing the lushness of nature or the passage of time in a formal context.
Examples
cou2 muk6 mau6 jim5 tai2 lok6 hou2 syu1 fuk6
草木茂苒，睇落好舒服。
The plants are growing luxuriantly, it looks very comfortable.
si4 gwong1 jim5 jim5 zaam2 ngaan5 zau6 gwo3 zo2 gei2 nin4
時光苒苒，眨眼就過咗幾年。
Time passes by successively, years have gone by in a blink.
Related words
Common phrases
jim5 jim5
苒苒
the passage of time
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with similar looking characters like 冉, which is common in names. It is not a functional word in modern Cantonese and should be avoided in casual communication.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
