deon6鈍钝
Jyutpingdeon6
Yaledeuhn
Definition
Blunt or dull, as of a knife, scissors, or pencil.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond physical objects, this word is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is slow to react or not very sharp mentally. It carries a slightly blunt or critical tone when applied to people, similar to calling someone slow-witted. When referring to tools, it is the standard term for anything that has lost its edge.
Examples
This pencil is very blunt, help me sharpen it.
The scissors are so blunt, how am I supposed to cut paper?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 蠢, which specifically means stupid or unintelligent. While 鈍 can imply someone is slow to catch on, it focuses more on a lack of sharpness or responsiveness rather than a lack of innate intelligence.
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.
