cau1 zoeng6抽象
Jyutpingcau1 zoeng6
Yalechāu jeuhng
Definition
Abstract; not concrete; generalizing essential characteristics rather than specific details.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Used frequently to describe ideas or explanations that lack clarity or practical application. While it functions as a formal adjective, it is often employed in casual conversation to criticize someone for being vague or overly philosophical when a direct answer is expected.
Examples
This painting is too abstract, I don't understand it.
Can you stop being so abstract when you talk?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'vague' in a negative sense of being 'unclear' or 'ambiguous' in a way that implies a mistake. It specifically refers to the absence of concrete, physical, or easily graspable details.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
