fei1 faan4非凡
Jyutpingfei1 faan4
Yalefēi fàahn
Definition
Outstanding, extraordinary, or uncommon.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
This term carries a formal and literary tone, often used to describe talent, achievement, or character rather than everyday objects. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns like 才華 or 表現 to emphasize a level of excellence that goes beyond the ordinary. While it functions as an adjective, it is rarely used to describe simple physical attributes.
Examples
His talent is truly outstanding, everyone admires him.
Do you think this contestant's performance is outstanding?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe everyday good quality, but it is too grand for casual situations like a tasty meal or a nice shirt. Use 勁 or 好叻 instead for informal contexts.
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.
