faat3 lik6法力
Jyutpingfaat3 lik6
Yalefaat lihk
Definition
Spiritual, magical, or supernatural power.
colloquialother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in the context of fantasy, folklore, or religious narratives involving supernatural beings. When used in everyday speech, it often carries a sarcastic tone to mock someone who thinks they can solve impossible problems or perform miracles without effort. It is distinct from the Mandarin usage which might appear more frequently in formal literary descriptions of deities.
Examples
It is like he has magic powers, he made my ring disappear.
Do you think you have magic powers? You need to be down to earth when working.
Related words
Common phrases
boundless magic power
to cast a spell or use magic
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 能力, which refers to ordinary human ability or capability. Using 法力 to describe a person's professional skills or talent will sound like you are accusing them of being a wizard or a charlatan.
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.
