gaau3 zeng1教精
Jyutpinggaau3 zeng1
Yalegaau jēng
Definition
To teach someone to be more shrewd, clever, or wise.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Implies a sense of enlightenment or waking someone up to the realities of a situation. It is often used when someone is being too naive or gullible and needs to learn how to protect their own interests. The tone can range from helpful concern to a slightly condescending attitude of superiority.
Examples
He gets cheated all the time, I really need to teach him how to be more street-smart.
Do you need to teach me how to avoid trouble?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply teaching a skill. It specifically refers to teaching someone to be cunning, sharp, or aware of how to avoid being taken advantage of by others.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
