wai4 hung2惟恐

Jyutpingwai4 hung2

Yalewàih húng

動詞Rare

Definition

To fear or worry about only one thing.

writtenemotiondescriptions

How it's used

This term is primarily used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual speech, often appearing in written news or commentary. It carries a slightly dramatic tone, implying that the subject is actively worried about a specific outcome not happening. It is almost always used to describe someone who is eager for a particular, often negative, situation to occur.

Examples

keoi5佢wai4惟hung2恐daai6大gaa1家m4唔zi1知keoi5佢jau5有cin2錢。

He is afraid that everyone doesn't know he is rich.

nei5你wai4惟hung2恐tin1天haa6下m4唔lyun6亂aa4呀？

Are you afraid that the world won't be in chaos?

Common phrases

wai4惟hung2恐tin1天haa6下bat1不lyun6亂

to fear that the world will not be in chaos

wai4惟hung2恐bat1不kap6及

to fear that one is not fast enough

Common mistake

Learners often use this in everyday conversation where it sounds overly formal or stiff. It is better to use 驚 or 擔心 for routine worries, as 惟恐 specifically suggests a sense of anticipation or obsession regarding a potential event.