tung3 fu2痛苦
Jyutpingtung3 fu2
Yaletung fú
Definition
Pain, suffering, agony, or a state of distress.
neutralemotionhealth
How it's used
Focuses heavily on deep emotional or psychological distress rather than mere physical injury. While it can describe physical pain, it is far more common to use 痛 or 唔舒服 when referring to bodily aches. It carries a heavy, serious weight, so it is rarely used for minor inconveniences or fleeting bad moods.
Examples
He went through a lot of suffering before he succeeded.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple headache or a minor cut, as it sounds overly dramatic and unnatural. For physical pain, use 痛 or 痛楚 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
