king1 gwok3 king1 sing4傾國傾城倾国倾城
Definition
Lit. capable of causing the downfall of a city or state (idiom); also written 傾城傾國|倾城倾国[qing1 cheng2 qing1 guo2]
How it's used
Originating from classical literature to describe a beauty capable of causing the downfall of a kingdom, this idiom is now used hyperbolically in modern speech to praise someone's exceptional attractiveness. It carries a slightly dramatic or literary flair, so it is often used when someone wants to emphasize that a person's looks are truly extraordinary or legendary. While it can be used for both men and women, it is overwhelmingly applied to women in contemporary contexts.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is just 'pretty' or 'good-looking', as the term implies a level of beauty that is almost mythical or overwhelming. Using it for a casual acquaintance might sound overly flowery or sarcastic depending on the tone.
Tone 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.
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
