wai3 suk1畏縮畏缩
Jyutpingwai3 suk1
Yalewai sūk
Definition
To shrink back, recoil, or cringe in fear or cowardice.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a physical or mental withdrawal caused by fear, intimidation, or a lack of confidence. It carries a slightly more formal or literary weight compared to everyday verbs like 驚 or 縮. While it can describe a literal physical recoil, it is frequently used to describe a personality trait or a cowardly reaction to social pressure.
Examples
Don't cringe or shrink back when facing difficulties.
Related words
Common phrases
to shrink back and refuse to move forward
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical pain or disgust, as it is not a direct translation of the English slang usage of cringe. For feelings of embarrassment or secondhand awkwardness, Cantonese speakers typically use 尷尬 or 覺得好肉酸 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
