ji4 naan4 zaap6 zing3疑難雜症疑难杂症
Definition
Exotic, complex, and difficult-to-treat diseases; also used figuratively for highly complex and stubborn problems.
- strange, complex, and difficult-to-treat diseases
- figurativehighly complex, difficult, and stubborn problems
How it's used
Originally referring to medical conditions that baffle doctors, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe any complex, persistent, or seemingly unsolvable problem in daily life. It carries a sense of frustration, implying that standard methods have failed and a specialist or unconventional approach is required. When applied to non-medical contexts, it often adds a layer of dramatic emphasis to the difficulty of the situation.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this term for minor or common ailments like a cold or headache, as it specifically implies a high level of complexity or rarity. It is also not used to describe simple tasks that are just tedious; it must involve a genuine element of confusion or difficulty in finding a solution.
Grammar color guide
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.
