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Definition
Poison; toxicant; any harmful substance that causes illness or death when ingested by an organism.
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a lethal substance, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is toxic to a relationship or a social environment. It carries a strong sense of danger and repulsion, often implying that contact with the person or thing will inevitably lead to negative consequences. When used in this figurative sense, it functions similarly to calling someone a bad influence or a black sheep.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a general term for any harmful substance, but it specifically implies a substance that causes death or severe illness. For minor irritants or allergens, it is more natural to use words like 敏感源 or 刺激物 instead.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
