jyun2惋
Jyutpingjyun2
Yaleyún
Definition
To sigh; to feel regret, sorrow, or pity.
writtenemotion
How it's used
Functions almost exclusively as a bound morpheme in modern Cantonese, appearing most frequently in the compound 惋惜. It conveys a sense of regret or sorrow over a missed opportunity or a negative outcome that could have been avoided. Unlike 遺憾 which can be used more broadly for life regrets, 惋惜 often carries a nuance of sympathy for someone else's misfortune or a wasted potential.
Examples
It is such a pity to see him fail like that.
Don't you feel sorry that you didn't go to that concert?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a standalone verb in spoken sentences, as it sounds highly literary or archaic. Always pair it with 惜 to form the standard compound 惋惜 when expressing regret or pity.
Grammar color guide
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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.
