sing2 hei2醒起

Jyutpingsing2 hei2

Yalesíng héi

Common

Definition

To suddenly remember, recall, or have something come to mind.

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Focuses on the sudden moment of realization when a forgotten piece of information pops into your head. It is frequently used when you have a lightbulb moment after having completely blanked on something earlier. Unlike the more formal remember, this implies a spontaneous mental trigger rather than a deliberate act of recall.

Examples

ngo5我ngaam1啱ngaam1啱sin1先sing2醒hei2起ting1聽jat6日jiu3要gaau1交gung1功fo3課。

I just remembered that I have to hand in homework tomorrow.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪sing2醒hei2起jau5有je5嘢mei6未zou6做aa4呀？

Did you just remember that there is something you haven't done?

Common phrases

dat6突jin4然sing2醒hei2起

suddenly remember

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 醒, which means to wake up from sleep. While both involve the word 醒, 醒起 specifically refers to memory retrieval, whereas 醒 refers to the physical act of waking up.