sau1 ci4修辭修辞
Jyutpingsau1 ci4
Yalesāu chìh
Definition
Rhetoric; the art of speaking or writing, using figures of speech to enhance expression.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the deliberate techniques used to enhance the aesthetic or persuasive quality of language. While it is a standard term in academic or literary contexts, it is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless discussing writing styles or speech delivery.
Examples
His essay uses a lot of rhetoric, it looks very elegant.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe simple politeness or formal speech, as it specifically denotes stylistic devices like metaphors or hyperbole rather than just being polite.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
