jung4慵
Jyutpingjung4
Yaleyùhng
Definition
Lethargic, lazy, or easy-going.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
While 慵 is a literary character, it is almost exclusively used in the compound 慵懶 in modern spoken Cantonese. It carries a specific nuance of a relaxed, unhurried, or even slightly decadent state of idleness rather than just being lazy or unmotivated. It is often used to describe a comfortable, slow-paced atmosphere.
Examples
He is always so lethargic and doesn't want to do anything.
I love spending the whole day in a lazy, easy-going way on holidays.
Related words
Common phrases
lethargic and lazy
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for 懶, which is the standard word for lazy. Using 慵 on its own as a verb or adjective in casual speech sounds unnatural or overly poetic; always pair it with 懶 to sound like a native speaker.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
