陰
jam1
The Cantonese word for "shade" is 陰, pronounced jam1.
陰 refers to the darkness where light is blocked.
Meaning: darkness where light is blocked (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word 蔭 (jam^2) traditionally refers to the shade of a tree but can be extended to the concept of verbal or metaphorical shade. The word 陰 (jam1) is often used in contrast with 陽 (joeng4) to represent the duality of shade/yin and sunlight/yang.
How do you pronounce it?
jam1
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, the word 陰 is associated with the world of the deceased or the 'yin' realm, moving the concept of shade into the spiritual dimension.
- While 陰 refers to the physical absence of light, 蔭 is used to describe the protection or 'shade' provided by a parent's success or influence over their children.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, an excess of 陰 (the shady/cold element) in the body is thought to lead to different illnesses than an excess of 陽.
Examples in context
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in a sunny park.
- 家明 Ka Ming今日個太陽好曬。gam1 jat6 go3 tai3 joeng4 hou2 saai3.The sun is very strong today.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting係呀，我哋去陰處行啦。hai6 aa3, ngo5 dei6 heoi3 jam1 cyu3 hang4 laa1.Yes, let's walk in the shade.
- 家明 Ka Ming嗰邊有棵大樹。go2 bin1 jau5 gaa3 daai6 syu1.There is a big tree over there.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好，喺陰處舒服啲。hou2, hai2 jam1 cyu3 syu1 fuk6 di1.Great, it's more comfortable in the shade.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
