lam1啉
Jyutpinglam1
Yalelām
Definition
Porphyrin, an organic chemical essential to hemoglobin and chlorophyll; also means slow.
- technicalporphyrin
- slow
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Beyond its technical chemical meaning, this word is widely used in daily life to describe someone who is sluggish, lethargic, or lacking in energy. It carries a slightly negative connotation of being inefficient or unmotivated. It is often used to tease friends who are taking too long to get ready or complete a task.
Examples
He works very slowly, always dragging his feet.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 淋, which refers to being soaked or drenched by rain. While they may sound similar to some speakers, they are distinct in meaning and usage.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
