sai3勢势
Jyutpingsai3
Yalesai
Definition
Power, influence, or the current state of affairs and situation.
- power; influence; force
- situation; circumstance; trend
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers to the momentum or underlying pressure of a situation, often implying a sense of inevitability or power. When used to describe people, it specifically highlights their social standing or ability to exert control over others. It is frequently paired with other characters to describe the state of affairs, such as in 形勢 or 走勢.
Examples
He has power and influence, who would dare to offend him?
Let's see how the situation develops first, don't decide so quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 勢頭, which specifically refers to the trend or momentum of a development, whereas 勢 on its own is more abstract and often relates to power or authority.
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.
