min4 jin4綿延绵延
Jyutpingmin4 jin4
Yalemìhn yìhn
Definition
To stretch on, linger, or continue continuously in space or time.
writtendescriptionsnature
How it's used
Focuses on a sense of physical or abstract continuity that spans a long distance or duration. It is more formal and descriptive than everyday verbs like 繼續, often appearing in literary descriptions of landscapes or historical timelines. Use it to evoke a sense of unbroken, flowing persistence rather than just a simple act of continuing.
Examples
That mountain range stretches for hundreds of kilometers.
Their friendship has continued for decades.
Related words
Common phrases
stretching on without end
stretching for a thousand miles
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, short-term contexts like continuing a task or a meeting, as it sounds overly poetic or dramatic for mundane situations.
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.
