ming4 zi3明智
Jyutpingming4 zi3
Yalemìhng ji
Definition
Sensible, wise, or intelligent, especially regarding decisions or choices.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
明智 is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts to evaluate the quality of a decision or choice. While it can appear in spoken Cantonese, it often carries a slightly intellectual or objective tone compared to more casual descriptors like醒目. It is frequently used to validate a choice that avoids trouble or maximizes benefit.
Examples
Choosing this job is a wise decision.
Isn't it wiser not to go to that dangerous place?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 聰明, which refers to general intelligence or being clever. 明智 specifically describes the wisdom behind a choice or action, rather than a person's inherent mental capacity.
Grammar color guide
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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.
