san4 ming4神明
Jyutpingsan4 ming4
Yalesàhn mìhng
Definition
God, spirit, or deity, especially those representing goodness and righteousness.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to deities associated with moral authority and divine protection rather than just any supernatural entity. It carries a sense of solemnity and is frequently used in contexts involving traditional rituals or appeals for justice and fairness. People often use this term when they feel that human laws might fail but divine oversight remains.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
He often goes to the temple to pray to the deities.
You should be upright in life, the gods are watching over you.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to ghosts or malevolent spirits, as it strictly implies a sense of righteousness and holiness. Use 鬼 for general spirits or ghosts instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
