mat6 ging6 tin1 zaak6物競天擇物竞天择
Jyutpingmat6 ging6 tin1 zaak6
Yalemaht gihng tīn jaahk
Definition
Natural selection; the evolutionary process where beneficial traits become more common in a population.
writtenother
How it's used
Originating from the classical Chinese text Yan Fu's translation of Evolution and Ethics, this term carries a formal and academic tone. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless discussing biology, philosophy, or social theories. Because it is a set idiom, it is treated as a noun phrase rather than a verb.
Examples
Natural selection is the core principle of biological evolution.
Do you think natural selection still has an impact on humans?
Related words
Common phrases
the result of natural selection
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly try to use this as a verb to describe competition in daily life, but it strictly refers to the biological process of evolution. For general competition between people, use 競爭 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
