ngok6 jin4愕然
Jyutpingngok6 jin4
Yalengohk yìhn
Definition
Startled, surprised, or stunned by a sudden event and unable to react.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to everyday expressions like 嚇親 or 呆咗. It specifically captures the moment of being frozen or stunned by something sudden, rather than just feeling general surprise. It is frequently used in written reports or news, though still perfectly acceptable in serious spoken conversation.
Examples
He was really startled when he heard the news.
Why are you so surprised?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it for minor surprises, as it implies a state of being momentarily stunned or unable to react. For common, everyday surprises, native speakers prefer 嚇親 or 驚訝.
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.
