wai2 suk1萎縮萎缩
Jyutpingwai2 suk1
Yalewái sūk
Definition
To shrink, deteriorate, or weaken in function.
neutralhealthwork
How it's used
Focuses on the loss of vitality, size, or function rather than just physical shrinking. It is frequently used in professional or news contexts when discussing economic decline or biological degeneration. While it can apply to physical objects, it carries a sense of negative progression or decay.
Examples
The economy keeps shrinking, and many companies have gone bust.
If I don't move for a long time, will my muscles slowly atrophy?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simple physical reduction in size, such as clothes shrinking in the wash, where 縮水 is the natural choice. Using 萎縮 for laundry sounds overly clinical or dramatic.
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.
