dik1 hai6嫡系
Jyutpingdik1 hai6
Yaledīk haih
Definition
Direct line or faction; including a direct descendant, close faction in a power structure, or direct apprentice.
- the eldest brother among immediate family or direct line of descent
- a trusted follower or close faction within a power structure
- a direct apprentice or favorite disciple taught by oneself
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to the eldest son of the primary wife in a traditional family, this term has evolved to describe anyone who is part of an inner circle or a direct protege. It implies a sense of loyalty and exclusive access to power or knowledge that outsiders do not possess. You will often hear it used in corporate or political contexts to describe someone who is clearly favored by the person in charge.
Examples
He is the boss's trusted inner circle, so he gets promoted very quickly.
This master only passes his secret techniques to his direct apprentices.
Related words
Common phrases
loyalist troops or core faction
direct successor or protege
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 直系, which is a broader term for direct lineage or blood relatives. While 嫡系 implies a special, favored status or a direct line of succession, 直系 is a neutral, biological, or legal classification.
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.
