sik1 teng1識聽识听
Jyutpingsik1 teng1
Yalesīk tēng
Definition
To understand what one hears, or to have an appreciative ear for music or speech.
- to understand a spoken language or what is being said
- to have a good ear or taste for music, songs, or speech
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This phrase functions in two distinct ways depending on context. When referring to music, it implies a refined appreciation or the ability to recognize quality, whereas in social contexts, it describes someone who is an attentive and empathetic listener. It carries a sense of sophistication or emotional intelligence rather than just the literal act of hearing sounds.
Examples
He really knows how to listen to people, he is always very patient.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with just hearing sounds or understanding a language. While 識聽 can mean knowing a language, it is more commonly used to describe the skill of active listening or the aesthetic judgment of music.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
