sau4愁
Jyutpingsau4
Yalesàuh
Definition
To worry, feel anxious, or be downcast due to worry.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
愁 carries a more literary or internal weight compared to the common spoken word 擔心. It often describes a lingering, melancholic state of mind rather than a quick reaction to a specific problem. You will frequently encounter it in set phrases like 愁眉苦臉 to describe someone's visible distress.
Examples
Why do you look so worried and miserable?
The issue of the future really makes people very anxious.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 愁 as a direct replacement for 擔心 in casual, everyday situations. 擔心 is the standard, neutral way to express worry about a specific event, whereas 愁 implies a deeper, more persistent emotional burden.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
