bin2 cik1貶斥贬斥
Jyutpingbin2 cik1
Yalebín chīk
Definition
To belittle, reject, and condemn someone, or to demote a government official.
- to belittle, reject, and criticize someone
- datedto demote a government official
writtenpeoplework
How it's used
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts, this term carries a heavy weight of moral judgment or official authority. While it can describe interpersonal belittling in modern speech, it retains a distinct flavor of historical court intrigue and power struggles. It is far more severe than simply criticizing someone, as it implies an active effort to exclude or demote them.
Examples
He constantly belittles his colleagues, so no one likes him.
In ancient officialdom, it was easy to demote opponents due to differing political views.
Related words
Common phrases
to demote or reject those who hold different views
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common way to say 'criticize', but it is much stronger and more formal. Using it to describe casual feedback or minor disagreements sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
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.
