kin4 kwan1乾坤
Definition
The sky and the earth, the cosmos, or the dual forces of yin and yang; by extension, the universe or secret workings of things.
- literarythe sky and the earth; cosmos; yin and yang; the universe
- figurativethe hidden secrets, inner workings, or underlying tricks of a situation
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning of heaven and earth, this term is frequently used in a figurative sense to describe a situation that is complex, hidden, or subject to a major shift. It often appears in idioms related to changing one's fate or turning a desperate situation around. In casual speech, it can also refer to the hidden details or the underlying logic of a situation that is not immediately obvious to others.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple word for nature or the world, but it carries a much more dramatic and literary weight. It is not used to describe the physical environment like 天地 or 世界, but rather to emphasize a grand scale or a significant, often mysterious, change.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
