bing1 jan4冰人
Jyutpingbing1 jan4
Yalebīng yàhn
Definition
Matchmaker.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term originates from a classical Chinese story involving a man who saw a matchmaker standing on ice, which is why it literally contains the character for ice. While it is still understood by most native speakers, it carries a slightly old fashioned or literary tone compared to more modern terms like 媒人. It is often used in a lighthearted or slightly teasing way when discussing someone setting up a couple.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The two of them only met because a matchmaker introduced them.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the English loanword for a person who works with ice, but in a social context, it refers exclusively to someone facilitating a romantic connection.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
