si3 ming6使命
Jyutpingsi3 ming6
Yalesi mihng
Definition
A mission, calling, or task that one is committed to carrying out.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Refers to a significant, often self-imposed or grand responsibility rather than a simple task or errand. It carries a heavy, formal weight and is frequently paired with 感 to describe the internal drive or psychological state of feeling compelled to act. Using it for mundane chores sounds overly dramatic or sarcastic.
Examples
He feels he has a mission to help others.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday jobs or chores like buying groceries, as it sounds unnaturally grandiose and pretentious in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
