ding6 jing4定型
Jyutpingding6 jing4
Yaledihng yìhng
Definition
To fall into a pattern; to take on a fixed mold, form, or stereotype.
colloquialdescriptionswork
How it's used
Focuses on the solidification of a person's image or a project's structure, often implying a lack of future flexibility. It is frequently used in the context of actors being typecast or a creative style becoming predictable. Unlike its use in formal written Chinese, the Cantonese usage often carries a slightly negative connotation of being stuck or limited.
Examples
He has played this type of role for so long, it is easy for him to get typecast.
Do you think his style has already set into a pattern?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 決定, which means to decide. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 定型 when they mean to make a firm decision, but it specifically refers to a state of being fixed in a specific form or mold.
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.
