maan6 jin4蔓延
Jyutpingmaan6 jin4
Yalemaahn yìhn
Definition
To spread, extend, or creep, especially of things like fire, diseases, or influence.
neutralhealthother
How it's used
Focuses on the uncontrolled and often negative expansion of something undesirable, such as a fire, a virus, or even a feeling like panic. Unlike general words for spreading, it implies a sense of creeping or encroaching growth that is difficult to stop once it begins. It is frequently used in news reports or formal discussions regarding public health or safety.
Examples
The fire is spreading very fast, everyone hurry up and leave!
This disease is spreading in the community, I am really worried.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for positive things like spreading news or sharing information, as it carries a strong connotation of danger or unwanted proliferation. Use 傳開 for neutral or positive spreading of information.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



