tyun4 / zeon1 / tan4忳
Jyutpingtyun4 / zeon1 / tan4
Yaletyùhn / jēun / tàhn
Definition
To panic, or to run around frantically.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in the reduplicated form 忳嚟忳去 to describe someone pacing or rushing about in a state of agitation or aimlessness. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person's movement is distracting or unproductive. It is very common to hear it paired with 雞 in the expression 忳雞, which specifically evokes the image of a headless chicken running in circles.
Examples
Stop running around here, it is so annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 騰, which also implies being busy or flustered. While 騰 often describes a state of being overwhelmed by tasks, 忳 specifically emphasizes the physical act of moving back and forth or running around.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
