tyun5 wan4斷魂断魂
Jyutpingtyun5 wan4
Yaletyúhn wàhn
Definition
To feel overwhelmed by grief, sorrow, or ecstasy, as if one's soul has departed from the body.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
This term carries a literary and dramatic weight that goes beyond simple sadness. It describes a state of being so overwhelmed by grief or longing that one feels detached from reality or like a ghost wandering without purpose. It is rarely used in casual small talk and is more common in descriptions of intense emotional states.
Examples
Ever since the breakup, he has been completely heartbroken and lost.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical exhaustion or minor disappointment. It specifically refers to an emotional state of being shattered or soul-crushed, so using it for being tired or bored will sound overly melodramatic or confusing to listeners.
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.
