kei4 naan4 zaap6 zing3奇難雜症奇难杂症
Jyutpingkei4 naan4 zaap6 zing3
Yalekèih nàahn jaahp jing
Definition
Strange, complex, and difficult-to-cure diseases, or by extension, highly difficult problems to understand and solve.
- strange, complex, and difficult-to-cure illnesses
- figurativehighly complex and difficult problems to understand and tackle
colloquialhealthother
How it's used
Originally referring strictly to obscure medical conditions, this term is now frequently used as a metaphor for any situation that is notoriously difficult to resolve. It carries a sense of frustration, implying that the problem is not just hard, but also bizarre or unconventional. When used figuratively, it often describes bureaucratic red tape or technical glitches that defy standard solutions.
Examples
He specializes in treating rare and difficult illnesses, so many people go to him for consultations.
This matter is truly a complex, intractable problem; who can possibly handle it?
Related words
Common phrases
specialize in treating rare and difficult diseases
solve complex and intractable problems
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply saying a disease is serious or fatal. The emphasis here is on the rarity, complexity, or mysterious nature of the condition, rather than just the severity of the symptoms.
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.
