jing2映
Jyutpingjing2
Yaleyíng
Definition
To shine, reflect, or project light.
colloquialnature
How it's used
While 映 is a formal morpheme in compounds like 映射, it functions as a verb meaning to shine or cast light in spoken Cantonese. It is often used with aspect markers like 住 to describe a continuous state of light falling on a surface. It is distinct from 照, which is more commonly used for directing light or looking into a mirror.
Examples
The sunlight is shining into the house.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 映 with 影, which means to take a photo. While 映相 is sometimes heard as a regional variation for taking a picture, 影相 is the standard and preferred term in Hong Kong.
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.
