sam1 fong1 ji3 lyun6心慌意亂心慌意乱
Jyutpingsam1 fong1 ji3 lyun6
Yalesām fōng yi lyuhn
Definition
Flustered, anxious, and confused; in a state of panic and not knowing what to do.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of being mentally scattered and emotionally unsettled, often due to sudden pressure or unexpected events. It implies a loss of composure where one's thoughts are no longer organized. While it is a four-character idiom, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to describe someone who is visibly panicking or unable to focus.
Examples
He felt flustered the moment he saw the client and didn't know what to say.
Why are you so anxious and confused? Just take your time and speak.
Related words
Common phrases
to be made to feel flustered and confused
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple feeling of nervousness like 緊張. However, it specifically carries the nuance of being disoriented or losing one's train of thought, rather than just feeling the physical symptoms of stress.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
