tung3 huk1痛哭
Jyutpingtung3 huk1
Yaletung hūk
Definition
To cry bitterly and loudly.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the intensity and audible nature of the distress rather than just shedding tears. It implies a loss of composure that is usually reserved for moments of extreme grief or overwhelming emotional release. Unlike simply 喊, which is a neutral term for crying, this word carries a heavy, dramatic weight.
Examples
After knowing the truth, he couldn't help but cry bitterly.
Why are you wailing here? What happened?
Related words
Common phrases
to cry bitterly and shed tears
Common mistake
Avoid using this for minor sadness or everyday crying, as it suggests a scene of intense emotional breakdown. It is not appropriate for describing a child who is just crying because they want a toy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
