zik6寂
Jyutpingzik6
Yalejihk
Definition
Silent; quiet; lonely or solitary.
- silent; quiet; having no sound
- lonely; solitary; neglected
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone verb or adjective in modern spoken Cantonese. It almost exclusively appears in compound words like 寂寞 to describe a sense of emotional loneliness or isolation. When describing physical silence, speakers prefer using 靜 or 靜英英 instead.
Examples
The room is dead silent, it feels so lonely.
Do you feel lonely when you are home by yourself?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 寂 alone to describe a quiet place, as it sounds literary or poetic. Use 靜 or 靜英英 for physical quietness, and reserve 寂寞 specifically for the feeling of loneliness.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
