oi1 jyun3哀怨
Jyutpingoi1 jyun3
Yaleōi yun
Definition
Sorrowful, plaintive, and filled with resentment, especially of a voice or tone.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This word is specifically used to describe the quality of a sound, such as a singing voice or a musical instrument, rather than a person's general mood. It carries a sense of lingering resentment or grievance mixed with deep sadness, often used in the context of tragic love songs or dramatic performances. It is a literary term that is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless one is critiquing a performance or describing a particularly haunting melody.
Examples
Why are you singing so sorrowfully?
Related words
Common phrases
a sorrowful singing voice
a sorrowful and resentful look
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe a person who is simply sad or depressed, but it specifically requires an auditory element like a voice or a tune to be accurate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
