paai4 hin2排遣
Jyutpingpaai4 hin2
Yalepàaih hín
Definition
To dispel, divert, or ease one's negative thoughts, boredom, or unhappiness.
writtenemotion
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the internal process of shifting one's mental state away from gloom or frustration. It implies an active effort to find a distraction or comfort, rather than just waiting for feelings to pass. It is more formal than common colloquial verbs like 散心, which is the preferred choice in casual daily conversation.
Examples
He went on a trip to relieve his low spirits.
How do you usually relieve your boredom?
Related words
Common phrases
to relieve boredom or frustration
to dispel loneliness
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 散心, but 排遣 carries a slightly more literary or heavy tone. Using it in a very casual setting, such as talking about a quick walk to the park, can sound overly dramatic or stiff.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
