siu1 cam4消沉
Jyutpingsiu1 cam4
Yalesīu chàhm
Definition
Depressed, low-spirited, or demoralized.
neutralemotion
How it's used
Focuses on a sustained state of low morale or a lack of drive rather than a fleeting moment of sadness. It often implies that external circumstances, such as repeated failure or misfortune, have eroded a person's spirit or ambition.
Examples
A lot has happened to him lately, and he is very depressed.
Don't be so down, there will be plenty of opportunities later.
Related words
Common phrases
demoralised
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple boredom or temporary annoyance, as it carries a heavier weight of hopelessness or resignation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
