sat1 ji3失意
Jyutpingsat1 ji3
Yalesāt yi
Definition
Dejected, disappointed, or frustrated; when things do not go as one wishes.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on a sense of personal setback or failure to achieve one's goals, often carrying a slightly literary or dramatic weight compared to everyday words like 唔開心. It frequently appears in set phrases describing specific areas of life, such as career or romance, to highlight a state of being downcast after a negative outcome.
Examples
He has been frustrated in his career lately and is in a bad mood.
Are you not wanting to go out because you are feeling dejected?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 失望, which specifically means feeling disappointed because something did not meet expectations. 失意 implies a broader state of being unsuccessful or dejected, often over a longer period, rather than a reaction to a single letdown.
Grammar color guide
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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.
