hin2 ling4顯靈显灵
Jyutpinghin2 ling4
Yalehín lìhng
Definition
To reveal oneself or manifest supernatural power, especially of gods, spirits, or ancestors.
colloquialother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in contexts involving traditional religious beliefs, folk worship, or supernatural occurrences. It implies a sense of awe or fear, as the manifestation is often seen as a response to human behavior, whether it be a plea for help or a warning of divine retribution. You will frequently hear it in discussions about the efficacy of specific temples or shrines.
Examples
I heard this temple is very effective, it often shows its power.
You keep doing bad things, watch out for the gods revealing themselves to punish you.
Related words
Common phrases
pray for a divine manifestation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply appearing or showing up, which would be 出現. 顯靈 specifically requires a supernatural or divine entity and carries the weight of a spiritual intervention.
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.
