san4 zi3神智
Jyutpingsan4 zi3
Yalesàhn ji
Definition
State of mind; consciousness; mental clarity.
neutralhealthbody
How it's used
Focuses on the state of mental clarity and awareness rather than general intelligence or personality. It is most frequently encountered in medical or emergency contexts to describe someone who has lost their senses due to injury, shock, or intoxication. Using it in casual conversation to describe someone just being absent-minded or forgetful sounds overly dramatic or clinical.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
delirious; not in one's right mind
clear-headed; fully conscious
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 精神, which is a much broader term referring to energy, spirit, or mental health in general. 神智 specifically implies the ability to perceive reality correctly, so using it to describe someone who is just tired or energetic is incorrect.
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.
