meng6 gan1命根
Jyutpingmeng6 gan1
Yalemehng gān
Definition
The person or thing that is most important to someone, or that they cherish most in life.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Refers to something so vital that losing it would feel like losing one's life. It is often used to describe a person, such as a child or a spouse, but can also refer to a prized possession or a hobby. The tone is usually dramatic and emphasizes an intense emotional attachment.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This camera is my life's treasure, don't touch it.
Related words
Common phrases
to treat something as one's life's treasure
Common mistake
In some contexts, especially when referring to a man, it can be used as a vulgar slang term for genitalia. Use it carefully when describing objects to avoid unintended double meanings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
