seng2 faan1醒返
Jyutpingseng2 faan1
Yaleséng fāan
Definition
To regain consciousness, wake up, or sober up.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This phrase combines the verb 醒, meaning to wake up or become aware, with the directional complement 返, which indicates a return to a previous state. It is used both for literal recovery from unconsciousness or sleep and metaphorically for someone regaining their senses or focus after being dazed or distracted. When used for sleep, it implies the person was in a deep or heavy slumber rather than just a light nap.
Examples
He fainted for a long time and has finally regained consciousness.
Related words
Common phrases
to faint and then regain consciousness
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 醒目, which means smart or sharp, or the slang 醒, which can mean to give or tip someone. Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct translation for any instance of waking up, but it specifically emphasizes the return to a state of alertness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
