si3 gam1 sek6試金石试金石
Jyutpingsi3 gam1 sek6
Yalesi gām sehk
Definition
Touchstone, literally a black mineral used to test the purity of metals, and figuratively a reliable test or criterion.
neutralother
How it's used
Originally referring to a specific type of black stone used to test the purity of gold, this term is now almost exclusively used in a metaphorical sense to describe a benchmark or a critical test of quality. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone, often appearing in news reports or professional discussions rather than casual street talk. Using it in everyday conversation can make you sound quite sophisticated or analytical.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
This exam is a touchstone for testing students' abilities.
Do you think this plan is a touchstone to test his sincerity?
Related words
Common phrases
a real touchstone
the best touchstone
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
