fan1 seoi2 leng5分水嶺分水岭

Jyutpingfan1 seoi2 leng5

Yalefān séui léhng

名詞

Definition

Watershed, both in the geographical sense and figuratively as a turning point.

water divide; watershed ridge separating river basins
figurativewatershed; turning point; a milestone or dividing line in time or events

neutralother

How it's used

While literally referring to a geographical ridge that separates drainage basins, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe a critical turning point or a clear boundary between two distinct phases. It carries a sense of finality and significant change, marking the moment after which things can never return to their previous state. It is commonly found in professional, academic, or analytical contexts when discussing history, career trajectories, or market trends.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

le1呢coeng4場bei2比coi3賽hai6係keoi5佢zik1職jip6業sang1生ngaai4涯ge3嘅fan1分seoi2水ling5嶺。

This match was a watershed moment in his career.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得bin1邊gin2件si6事sin1先hai6係ne1呢go3個gai3計waak6劃ge3嘅fan1分seoi2水ling5嶺aa4呀？

Which event do you think was the turning point for this project?

Common phrases

zung6重jiu3要fan1分seoi2水ling5嶺

important watershed moment

lik6歷si2史fan1分seoi2水ling5嶺

historical watershed

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simple synonyms for a change like 轉捩點, as 分水嶺 specifically implies a division that creates two separate, divergent paths rather than just a shift in direction.