ging1矜

Jyutpingging1

Yalegīng

語素

Definition

Proud, aloof, or high-class.

proud; aloof; self-important
reserved; cautious; deliberate
precious; high-class; elite

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How it's used

Primarily functions as a morpheme in Cantonese rather than a standalone adjective in everyday speech. It carries a nuance of being delicate, high-maintenance, or possessing a sense of self-importance that borders on arrogance. When used to describe objects, it implies rarity or fragility, suggesting something requires careful handling or is expensive to maintain.

Examples

le1呢gin2件saam1衫hou2好ging1矜gwai3貴，m4唔hou2好lyun6亂gam3咁sai2洗。

This piece of clothing is very precious, don't wash it carelessly.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使gam3咁ging1矜aa4呀？

Do you really have to act so stuck-up?

Common phrases

ging1矜gwai3貴

precious or high-maintenance

Common mistake

Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English word proud in the sense of achievement, as that is usually expressed through 驕傲 or 自豪. Using 矜 to describe a person often carries a negative connotation of being snobbish or difficult to please.