soeng1 nou5 gan1傷腦筋伤脑筋
Jyutpingsoeng1 nou5 gan1
Yalesēung nóuh gān
Definition
Knotty, troublesome, or bothersome; describing something difficult to handle that causes worry.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the mental effort required to solve a problem rather than just the difficulty of the task itself. It implies a state of being stuck or having to rack one's brain to find a way out of a predicament. Use it when you feel overwhelmed by a puzzle or a complex situation that lacks an obvious answer.
Examples
This matter is really quite a headache.
Have you thought of a solution yet? It's really troublesome.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical pain or a literal head injury. It is strictly for abstract problems or situations that cause mental distress.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
