ngoi4 zai6呆滯呆滞
Jyutpingngoi4 zai6
Yalengòih jaih
Definition
Lifeless, dull, or lacking in energy and vitality.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Describes a state of being mentally checked out or physically drained, often manifesting as a vacant stare. It is frequently used to describe someone who is exhausted, shocked, or simply zoning out during a conversation. Unlike simply being tired, it implies a lack of focus or engagement with the surroundings.
Examples
He always sits there staring lifelessly out the window.
Why do you look so lifeless? Are you feeling unwell?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe inanimate objects, as it specifically refers to the human expression or mental state. For objects that are dull or lack luster, use 冇光澤 instead.
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.
