ji2 zoeng6倚仗
Jyutpingji2 zoeng6
Yaleyí jeuhng
Definition
To rely on or back oneself with people of power and influence.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation of arrogance and unfair advantage. It describes a situation where someone feels untouchable or superior because they have a powerful patron or social status to fall back on. Unlike neutral words for reliance, this implies a lack of personal integrity or merit.
Examples
He always bullies others just because he relies on his family's wealth.
Don't act recklessly just because you rely on the boss to back you up.
Related words
Common phrases
rely on power and influence
rely on one's background
Common mistake
Do not use this word for positive or neutral forms of support, such as relying on a friend for emotional comfort or a colleague for help with a task. It is strictly reserved for instances where someone is abusing their connection to authority or power.
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.
