siu1 wan4銷魂销魂
Definition
Overwhelmed with emotion, such as extreme joy or deep sorrow, as if one has lost their soul.
How it's used
Originally describing a state of intense sorrow or being soul-struck, the term has evolved in modern Cantonese to often describe an extremely pleasurable or satisfying experience, particularly regarding food. It implies a level of enjoyment so deep that one momentarily loses touch with their surroundings. It carries a slightly dramatic or exaggerated flair, making it perfect for describing a transcendent culinary moment.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with being literally dead or having a medical condition. While it implies being absent-minded, it is a hyperbolic expression of intense emotion or sensory pleasure, not a clinical description of someone who is unwell.
Grammar color guide
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.
