zan2 waai4軫懷轸怀

Jyutpingzan2 waai4

Yaleján wàaih

Definition

To sorrowfully cherish the memory of someone.

writtenemotionpeople

How it's used

This term is highly formal and literary, carrying a heavy, melancholic weight that is rarely found in casual daily speech. It is typically reserved for written contexts, obituaries, or very solemn reflections on someone who has passed away. Using it in a lighthearted or everyday conversation will sound strangely archaic or overly dramatic to native speakers.

Examples

keoi5佢lei4離sai3世do1多nin4年，ngo5我ji1依jin4然hou2好zan2軫waai4懷。

He passed away years ago, but I still cherish his memory with sorrow.

nei5你zung6仲zan2軫waai4懷gan2緊go2嗰wai6位gau6舊pang4朋jau5友aa4呀？

Are you still sorrowfully missing that old friend?

Common phrases

sam1深cit3切zan2軫waai4懷

deeply cherish the memory of

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common verb like 掛住, but it is much more specific to mourning or deep, sorrowful remembrance. Do not use it for simply missing a friend you have not seen in a while.