hung2 ming4孔明
Definition
Zhuge Liang, a famous historical figure of the Three Kingdoms period, often used to represent a wise person.
How it's used
Refers specifically to the historical figure Zhuge Liang, but functions as a cultural archetype for someone possessing exceptional strategic wisdom or foresight. Using this name to describe someone is a high compliment regarding their intellect and problem solving abilities. It is frequently used in casual conversation to praise someone who has devised a clever solution to a difficult problem.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the actual historical person Zhuge Liang when referring to the person by name in a formal historical context. While Kongming is his courtesy name, using it in casual speech is a metaphorical usage rather than a literal reference to the historical figure.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
