ming4銘铭
Jyutpingming4
Yalemìhng
Definition
To engrave or carve; an inscription or motto; to remember deeply.
- to engrave; to carve on a hard surface
- an inscription; a motto
- to remember deeply and unforgettably
writtenother
How it's used
銘 is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts, often appearing in idioms or written inscriptions. It carries a sense of permanence and deep emotional weight, far beyond the casual act of writing or carving. You will rarely hear it in daily spoken Cantonese unless referencing a specific motto or a formal expression of gratitude.
Examples
I will engrave this kindness in my heart.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general verbs for writing or carving like 寫 or 刻. Remember that 銘 is reserved for abstract concepts like memory, gratitude, or moral principles, rather than physical objects.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
