ling4 gaa3 jyu1凌駕於凌驾于
Jyutpingling4 gaa3 jyu1
Yalelìhng ga yū
Definition
To override, surpass, or be placed above something else.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or written contexts to describe something that exerts superiority or dominance over another entity. It carries a strong sense of hierarchy or overwhelming power, making it sound quite serious or academic in tone. You will rarely hear this in casual conversation, where people would prefer simpler expressions like 勁過 or 高過.
Examples
His ability completely outmatches everyone else.
Is the law always above morality?
Related words
Common phrases
to be above the law
to be above everything
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this in everyday physical comparisons, such as saying a taller person is 凌駕於 someone else, which sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. It is reserved for abstract concepts like power, authority, or influence.
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.
