wong4 wong4 bat1 ho2 zung1 jat6惶惶不可終日惶惶不可终日
Jyutpingwong4 wong4 bat1 ho2 zung1 jat6
Yalewòhng wòhng bāt hó jūng yaht
Definition
To be in a constant state of anxiety and terror, dreading what the end of the day might bring.
writtenemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom that carries a heavy, literary weight, often used to describe a state of intense, lingering dread or psychological pressure. While it is perfectly understandable in speech, it is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation because of its dramatic intensity. It is most commonly found in news reports, formal writing, or when someone is describing a truly dire or high-stakes situation.
Examples
He has been extremely anxious lately, as if he has something on his mind.
min6面deoi3對ni1呢go3個dat6突faat3發ngai4危gei1機，daai6大gaa1家dim2點ho2可ji5以m4唔wong4惶wong4惶bat1不ho2可zung1終jat6日？
Faced with this sudden crisis, how can everyone not be in a state of constant panic?
Related words
Common phrases
anxious all day long
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple word for being nervous or shy. It is much stronger than that, implying a state of constant, day-long fear or agitation that prevents one from living normally.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
