dak1 cik1得敕
Jyutpingdak1 cik1
Yaledāk chīk
Definition
Cocky, smug, or self-satisfied.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a specific kind of arrogance where someone acts proud or superior, often because they achieved a small success or are trying to show off. It carries a slightly playful or mocking tone, implying that the person's pride is unearned or annoying to others. It is frequently used to warn someone to humble themselves before they face negative consequences.
Examples
He got so cocky just because he won a small competition.
Don't be so smug, be careful or you'll get scolded.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general confidence or pride, as it specifically implies an annoying or undeserved sense of superiority. It is rarely used to describe someone who is genuinely accomplished or respected.
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.
