ming4 dang1明燈明灯
Definition
A guiding light; a scholar, prophet, or seer who points out the correct direction, or ironically, someone who always predicts wrongly.
- a guide, scholar, or prophet who points out the correct path or direction
- slangsomeone who is ironically referred to for always making incorrect predictions
How it's used
Originally referring to a beacon or a wise mentor who provides clarity, this term has evolved to be frequently used sarcastically in finance and gambling contexts. When someone consistently gives bad advice or makes incorrect predictions, they are mockingly called a明燈 to imply they are leading others into darkness instead of light. It is essential to check the context to determine if the speaker is offering genuine praise or biting irony.
Measure word
zaan2盞jánExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a literal lamp or light source, as it is almost exclusively used metaphorically for people or their advice. Using it to describe a physical object like a desk lamp will sound extremely unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
