cung1 kei4 loeng6充其量
Jyutpingcung1 kei4 loeng6
Yalechūng kèih leuhng
Definition
At most, at maximum, or at the very best.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This expression carries a dismissive or diminishing tone, often used to downplay the significance or value of something. It implies that the subject has reached its absolute limit and cannot possibly exceed the stated amount or quality. It is frequently paired with the particle 啫 to further emphasize the limited nature of the situation.
Examples
His salary is at most fifteen thousand dollars.
This plan is at most just an idea.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to say 'at most', but it is inherently evaluative and suggests disappointment or skepticism. Using it to describe a positive or neutral fact can sound unexpectedly critical or cynical.
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.
