jing2 zi2影子

Jyutpingjing2 zi2

Yaleyíng jí

名詞Common

Definition

Shadow, or a person or group wielding power from behind the scenes.

shadow; a dark area formed by blocking light
figurativea person, group, or organisation wielding power from behind the scenes

neutraldescriptionspeople

How it's used

Refers primarily to the physical projection of a silhouette, but it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is inseparable from another person. In political contexts, it carries a slightly sinister connotation of hidden influence or lack of transparency. Unlike the Mandarin usage which can sometimes be more abstract, Cantonese speakers often prefer the term 影嚟形容 physical shadows in casual conversation.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

zaan2盞dang1燈ziu3照zyu6住，dei6地haa6下zik1即hak1刻gin3見dou2到go3個jing2影zi2子。

The light is shining on it, and you can see a shadow on the ground right away.

keoi5佢hou2好ci5似go3個jing2影zi2子gam3咁，seng4成jat6日gan1跟zyu6住ngo5我。

He is like a shadow, following me around all the time.

Common phrases

jing2影zi2子zing3政fu2府

shadow government

jyu4如jing2影ceoi4隨jing4形

to follow like a shadow

Common mistake

Learners often confuse 影子 with 影, which is the more common, everyday way to refer to a shadow or a reflection in Cantonese. Using 影子 can sound slightly more formal or literary than just saying 影.