wong4 hung2惶恐
Jyutpingwong4 hung2
Yalewòhng húng
Definition
Terrified; in fear and trepidation.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This term carries a formal or literary weight that makes it sound quite dramatic in everyday speech. It is often used to describe a state of deep anxiety or apprehension rather than just a simple fright. Because of its intensity, it is frequently used in news reports or when describing someone who is visibly shaken by a serious situation.
Examples
Upon hearing this news, their whole family was in a state of fear.
Why are you so fearful? You didn't do anything wrong.
Related words
Common phrases
in a state of panic and unease
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe being startled or scared by something minor, like a loud noise or a spider. It is reserved for situations involving significant worry or dread, so using it for trivial matters will sound overly theatrical or sarcastic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
