hung2 mou5 jau5 lik6孔武有力
Jyutpinghung2 mou5 jau5 lik6
Yalehúng móuh yáuh lihk
Definition
Physically strong, muscular, or powerful.
writtendescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom is a formal, literary expression that contrasts sharply with everyday colloquial Cantonese. While it describes physical strength, it is often used with a slightly exaggerated or dramatic tone to emphasize someone's raw power. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation unless the speaker is being humorous or intentionally descriptive.
Examples
He exercises regularly and looks really strong and muscular.
Who says girls can't be physically strong?
Related words
Common phrases
having a strong and muscular appearance
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply fit or healthy, as it specifically denotes brute physical strength or a muscular build. Using it to describe a delicate or slender person will sound sarcastic.
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.
