jan4 cing1人稱人称
Jyutpingjan4 cing1
Yaleyàhn chīng
Definition
Commonly known as; referred to by people as.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term functions as a formal or semi-formal way to introduce a nickname or a widely recognized title. It is frequently used in journalism or when introducing someone with a reputation to a third party. Unlike simply saying 叫, using this implies the name or title is a public consensus rather than just a personal preference.
Examples
He is known as the "big eater," he never feels full no matter how much he eats.
Related words
Common phrases
known as the Iron Lady
known as God's hand
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a noun meaning "person" or "pronoun" because of the characters used. Remember that in this specific construction, it acts as a verb phrase meaning "people call [him/her/it]."
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.
