fung1 lei6鋒利锋利
Jyutpingfung1 lei6
Yalefūng leih
Definition
Sharp, as in a knife; or incisive and acerbic, as in speech or writing.
- sharp; keen; having a very sharp edge
- figurativeincisive; acerbic; caustic; piercing
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing physical objects like knives or scissors, this word is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone's wit or the biting nature of their criticism. When used for people, it implies a level of intelligence or verbal aggression that can be intimidating to others. It carries a slightly more formal or literary weight compared to the more common spoken term 利.
Examples
This knife is very sharp, it cuts things very smoothly.
Do you have to be so sharp and cutting with your words?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this word to describe a person who is smart or quick-witted in a positive, general sense, but it specifically highlights a cutting or piercing quality that can be hurtful or confrontational.
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.
