ngai4巍
Jyutpingngai4
Yalengàih
Definition
Lofty, towering, or eminent.
writtendescriptionsplaces
How it's used
Literary and formal in nature, this term is rarely used in casual conversation to describe physical height. It carries a sense of grandeur or imposing presence rather than just tallness. When used in speech, it often emphasizes the sheer scale or intimidating nature of a structure.
Examples
That mountain is so lofty, it looks scary when you look down.
Related words
Common phrases
lofty and majestic
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with high or tall, as it specifically implies a sense of majesty or steepness. It is not used to describe the height of people or everyday objects.
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.
