jing4 waai4縈懷萦怀
Jyutpingjing4 waai4
Yaleyìhng wàaih
Definition
To occupy someone's mind, or to concern deeply.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This term carries a literary and slightly melancholic tone, often used to describe thoughts or worries that linger persistently in one's heart. It is rarely used in casual, everyday speech and is more common in written prose, song lyrics, or formal expressions of deep concern. Using it in a standard conversation can sound overly dramatic or poetic.
Examples
This matter has been weighing on my mind, making me very troubled.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with common verbs like 諗 or 擔心, but 縈懷 specifically implies a deep, lingering emotional attachment or burden rather than just a passing thought or a practical worry.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
