ling4 keng4靈擎灵擎
Jyutpingling4 keng4
Yalelìhng kèhng
Definition
Effective; efficacious and reliable.
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How it's used
Primarily used to describe the accuracy of predictions or the immediate success of traditional remedies. It carries a sense of mystical or almost magical reliability, often associated with spiritual practices or folk medicine. While it can apply to modern medicine, it is more commonly reserved for things that work in a way that feels surprisingly potent or precise.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 靈驗, which is written with a different second character. Using 靈驗 in spoken Cantonese is understandable but sounds formal or bookish compared to the natural 靈擎.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
