wat1 wat1鬱鬱郁郁
Jyutpingwat1 wat1
Yalewāt wāt
Definition
Depressed, gloomy, or melancholy.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Focuses on a quiet, internal state of melancholy or brooding rather than a clinical diagnosis of depression. It often describes someone who is visibly withdrawn or carrying a heavy heart, making it a common way to describe a friend who seems unusually subdued.
Examples
He has been feeling depressed lately, as if he has something on his mind.
Why are you feeling so down? You will feel better if you talk about it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鬱悶, which is a more formal or written term often used in Mandarin contexts. In spoken Cantonese, 鬱鬱 is preferred for describing a person's mood, whereas 鬱悶 can sound slightly detached or literary.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
