ceoi4 lin6錘煉锤炼
Jyutpingceoi4 lin6
Yalechèuih lihn
Definition
To temper, polish, hammer into shape, or exercise to improve skills.
writtenworkdescriptions
How it's used
Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe how difficult experiences or rigorous training refine a person's character or skills. It carries a sense of endurance and transformation through hardship. While it can be used for physical objects, it is far more common to hear it applied to personal growth or professional development.
Examples
This job really tempers a person; you will improve a lot after doing it.
After a long period of tempering, he finally became a master.
Related words
Common phrases
to hone one's skills
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of practice, but it specifically implies a process of being tested or hardened by adversity. It is not used for casual repetition or routine study.
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.
