sing1 saan3星散
Jyutpingsing1 saan3
Yalesīng saan
Definition
Scattered or dispersed like stars in the sky.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly literary or formal tone, often used to describe a group of people who were once together but have since drifted apart due to life changes or external circumstances. It evokes a sense of melancholy or finality, distinguishing it from simple verbs like 分開 which just mean to separate.
Examples
That group of old friends has already scattered to different places.
After this group disbanded, the members all scattered.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical objects being scattered on the floor, as it is reserved for groups of people or organizations. Use 散落 for physical items instead.
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.
