maan6 bun1萬般万般
Jyutpingmaan6 bun1
Yalemaahn būn
Definition
Extremely; utterly; in every possible way.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Carries a literary or formal weight that makes it sound quite dramatic in spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively used to describe intense, helpless, or overwhelming emotional states like frustration or reluctance. You will hear it more often in written news or formal storytelling than in casual banter between friends.
Examples
Being left with no other choice, he had no option but to resign.
If you are so unwilling, why force yourself?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this as a direct substitute for the common intensifier 好. Using it to describe simple things like being very happy or very tired will sound unnatural and overly poetic.
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.
