san4 zoeng6神像
Jyutpingsan4 zoeng6
Yalesàhn jeuhng
Definition
An idol, icon, image, or statue depicting a deity or a personified virtue.
neutralpeopleplaces
How it's used
While referring to religious statues, the term carries a sense of reverence or ritualistic function. It is distinct from generic statues of people, which are usually called 雕像. When discussing the physical act of placing or moving these items, speakers often use the verb 供奉 to emphasize the religious context.
Measure word
zyun1尊jyūnExamples
There are many idols enshrined inside the temple.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word for secular statues of historical figures or celebrities, as it specifically implies a religious or divine association. Use 雕像 for non-religious monuments or art pieces.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
