mei4 joek6微弱
Jyutpingmei4 joek6
Yalemèih yeuhk
Definition
Faint, weak, or barely perceptible, typically describing abstract things like sound or signals.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses on sensory input or abstract connections that are barely perceptible to the human senses. It is rarely used to describe physical strength or health, where 虛弱 or 冇力 are preferred. Use it when describing things like light, sound, or wireless signals that are on the verge of disappearing.
Examples
A faint cry for help came from the distance.
Your phone signal is so weak, how are you going to call?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a person who is physically weak or sick, as it sounds unnatural and overly formal in that context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
