How to Say "Anxiety" in Cantonese

焦慮

ziu1 leoi6

The Cantonese word for anxiety is 焦慮 (ziu1 leoi6).

焦慮 is a noun used to describe a state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession.

Meaning: state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

ziu1 leoi6

The word 焦 (ziu1) also appears in the word for 'fried' food, linking the sensation of anxiety to the high heat of a frying pan.
While 焦慮 is the formal term, Cantonese speakers often use 燥底 (zou3 dai2) to describe a specific type of 'irritable anxiety' where someone is easily provoked.
In traditional contexts, anxiety is sometimes framed as an imbalance of 氣 (hei3) or 'energy', meaning the cure is sought through breath or movement rather than just thought.

今日好煩好驚，唔知點算好。
I'm so annoyed and scared today, not sure what to do.
佢最近因為工作壓力而感到好焦慮。
keoi5 zeoi3 gan6 jau1 gung3 zok3 aat3 ji4 ji3 gam2 hou2 giu1 liu6.
He has been feeling very anxious lately due to work pressure.

Two friends are talking about an upcoming exam.

嘉欣 Ka Yan

志強，你準備好考嗰個試未呀？
zi3 koeng4, nei5 zeon2 bei6 hou2 haau2 go2 si3 mei6 aa3?
Zhiqiang, are you ready for that exam?
志強 Chi Keung

未呀，我而家好焦慮，完全唔記得咗啲嘢。
mei6 aa3, ngo5 ji4 gaa1 hou2 gaau1 lyu3, jyun4 cyun4 m4 gei3 dak1 zo2 di1 je5.
Not yet, I'm so anxious right now that I've completely forgotten things.
嘉欣 Ka Yan

唔好咁擔心，你溫習咗咁耐一定冇問題。
m4 hou2 gam3 daam1 sam1, nei5 wan1 zaap6 zo2 gam3 noi6 jat1 ding6 mou5 man6 tai4.
Don't worry so much, you've studied for so long that you'll be fine.
志強 Chi Keung

希望係咁，我試下深呼吸嚟冷靜啲。
hei1 mong4 hai6 gam2, ngo5 si3 haa2 sam1 hu1 kap1 lei4 laang5 zing6 di1.
I hope so, I'll try taking some deep breaths to calm down.

Sources

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