ming4 zi1明知
Jyutpingming4 zi1
Yalemìhng jī
Definition
To know perfectly well; to be fully aware of something that should affect one's decisions.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Expresses a sense of frustration or disbelief regarding someone's deliberate choice to ignore facts. It often precedes a clause starting with 仲 to highlight the contradiction between the person's knowledge and their subsequent action. Use this to emphasize that the subject is acting against their own better judgment.
Examples
You know full well you have to work tomorrow, why did you drink so much?
He knew perfectly well the road was jammed, yet he still insisted on driving out.
Related words
Common phrases
to knowingly commit an offense
knowing it is like that
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple knowledge like knowing a fact or a person's name. It specifically implies that the subject is aware of a negative consequence or a problematic situation but chooses to proceed anyway.
Grammar color guide
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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.
