cin2闡阐
Jyutpingcin2
Yalechín
Definition
To explain, clarify, or elucidate something to make it clearer.
writtencommunication
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in formal, written, or academic contexts as part of compound words. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese, where speakers would prefer using 解釋 or 講清楚 instead. Its presence in a sentence immediately signals a formal or professional register.
Examples
Can you clarify your position a bit?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not attempt to use this as a standalone verb in casual conversation, as it will sound unnatural or overly pretentious. It is a bound morpheme that requires a second character to form a complete word.
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.
