ngan1 sing1奀星
Jyutpingngan1 sing1
Yalengān sīng
Definition
A minor, obscure, or little-known celebrity or artiste.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of belittlement and is used to describe someone in the entertainment industry who lacks popularity or talent. It is often used to dismiss someone's importance or to mock their efforts to gain attention. The prefix 奀 implies something thin, small, or stunted, which paints a vivid picture of someone who is insignificant in the eyes of the public.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is just a minor artiste, nobody knows him.
That minor artiste is desperate to become famous.
Related words
Common phrases
a totally insignificant and unknown artiste
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a person who is simply unknown in a general sense, as it is specifically reserved for people in the entertainment or performance industry. Calling a regular person an 奀星 would be confusing and nonsensical.
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.
