jing4 si6刑事
Jyutpingjing4 si6
Yaleyìhng sih
Definition
Criminal, as opposed to civil.
neutralother
How it's used
Distinguishing between civil and criminal matters is essential in legal contexts, where 刑事 specifically refers to crimes prosecuted by the state. It is almost always paired with 民事 to create a binary contrast in legal discussions. You will frequently hear it used in news reports or when discussing police involvement in a dispute.
Examples
He is involved in a criminal case this time, it is really serious.
Related words
Common phrases
criminal case
criminal liability
criminal offence
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe general bad behavior or moral failings. It strictly pertains to the legal system and crimes that carry potential jail time or police investigation.
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.
