jim5剡
Jyutpingjim5
Yaleyíhm
Definition
Sharp or pointed.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This character is primarily used in spoken Cantonese to describe the sharpness of blades or tools. It is a highly localized term that is rarely seen in formal writing, where words like 鋒利 are preferred. Using it in casual conversation adds a distinctly authentic, local flavour to your speech.
Examples
Where did you buy these scissors? They are so sharp.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin character 剡, which is a rare surname or place name and is not used to mean sharp in standard Chinese. Ensure you only use this in a spoken Cantonese context to avoid confusion.
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.
