zin3 sing1顫聲颤声
Jyutpingzin3 sing1
Yalejin sīng
Definition
Trembling voice.
colloquialbodyemotion
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical manifestation of fear, nervousness, or extreme emotion in the vocal cords. It is often used to describe someone who is on the verge of crying or is terrified. Unlike general descriptions of being nervous, this highlights the audible instability of the pitch or volume.
Examples
There was a trembling in their voice when they spoke.
Why is your voice trembling when you speak?
Related words
Common phrases
with a trembling voice
to emit a trembling sound
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a hoarse or raspy voice, which is better described as 聲沙. Using 顫聲 to describe a cold or a sore throat is incorrect as it implies emotional or physical instability rather than vocal cord damage.
Grammar color guide
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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.
