cing1 seon4清純清纯
Jyutpingcing1 seon4
Yalechīng sèuhn
Definition
Pure, innocent, and uncorrupted, especially describing a young woman's appearance or character.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Primarily reserved for describing the appearance or temperament of young women, this word carries a connotation of being untainted by the complexities of the world. It suggests a fresh, natural, and wholesome quality that is often contrasted with being worldly or overly made up. While it can describe personality, it is most frequently used to comment on someone's youthful, unpretentious aesthetic.
Examples
She looks so innocent, she doesn't look like a bad student at all.
Do you think this girl is more innocent or mature?
Related words
Common phrases
innocent temperament
innocent appearance
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe objects or abstract concepts, as it is almost exclusively applied to people. Using it for something like water or air would sound unnatural; for those, use 清澈 instead.
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.
