ngaa4 lik6牙力
Jyutpingngaa4 lik6
Yalengàh lihk
Definition
Influence, bargaining power, or authority in negotiations.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Literally referring to the strength of one's teeth, this term metaphorically describes the ability to exert pressure or command respect during negotiations. It is most frequently used in professional or social contexts where someone needs to convince others or get their way. Having good 牙力 implies that people will listen to you because of your status, reputation, or persuasive power.
Examples
He has a lot of influence in the company and his words carry weight.
Do you think he has enough leverage to negotiate this deal?
Related words
Common phrases
to have a lot of influence
to lack influence or leverage
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical strength or literal biting power. It is strictly used for social or professional influence and is not used to describe physical force.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
