fu4 jiu4 zik6 soeng5扶搖直上扶摇直上
Jyutpingfu4 jiu4 zik6 soeng5
Yalefùh yìuh jihk séuhng
Definition
To soar, rise rapidly through the ranks, or advance quickly in one's career or status.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Originating from the classic text Zhuangzi, this idiom describes a bird rising high on a whirlwind. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight despite being used in modern conversation to describe rapid professional success. It is often used to imply that the rise is sudden, dramatic, and perhaps even effortless or lucky.
Examples
After he got promoted, his career soared.
Do you really think you can rise through the ranks just by using connections?
Related words
Common phrases
career soaring
status rising rapidly
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for physical objects rising, but it is strictly reserved for abstract concepts like status, career, or reputation. Do not use it to describe a literal balloon or a plane taking off.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
