zi2 sik1止息
Jyutpingzi2 sik1
Yalejí sīk
Definition
To stop, cease, or come to an end.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
This term carries a formal or literary weight that makes it sound quite distinct from everyday verbs like 停. It is frequently used in contexts involving the calming of natural elements, intense emotions, or abstract conflicts. You will often encounter it in written news reports or more dramatic storytelling rather than casual conversation.
Examples
The storm has finally stopped.
Related words
Common phrases
the disturbance has subsided
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this in place of 停 for simple physical actions like stopping a car or a machine, which sounds unnatural. Use 停 for routine physical stops and reserve 止息 for more profound or figurative cessations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
