jyu5 jik6羽翼
Jyutpingjyu5 jik6
Yaleyúh yihk
Definition
Wings of a bird, or figuratively, one's ability to be independent and self-reliant.
- wings of a bird used for flying
- figurativea person's ability to stand on their own feet and take care of themselves
writtenanimalspeople
How it's used
This term is primarily used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who has gained the skills or resources to be independent. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone, often appearing in discussions about children growing up or organizations expanding their influence. When referring to actual bird wings, Cantonese speakers typically use 翼 or 翼仔 instead.
Examples
The bird's wings are not fully grown yet, so it cannot fly far.
They have become independent now, it is time for them to go out and explore.
Related words
Common phrases
wings not yet fully grown; not yet independent
wings fully grown; fully independent
Common mistake
Avoid using this word in casual, everyday conversation to describe a literal bird's wing, as it sounds overly dramatic or poetic. Stick to 翼 or 翼仔 for literal contexts.
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.
