sim2 soek3閃爍闪烁
Jyutpingsim2 soek3
Yalesím seuk
Definition
To flicker, glisten, or twinkle.
writtendescriptionsnature
How it's used
Although this word is standard in written Chinese, it is often used in formal or literary contexts in Cantonese to describe light that is not steady. For everyday casual speech, speakers prefer the reduplicated form 閃吓閃吓 to describe the same action. Using this word in casual conversation can sound slightly poetic or overly descriptive.
Examples
The light in the distance is flickering very intensely.
Do you see the twinkling stars in the sky?
Related words
Common phrases
flickering light
twinkling stars
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is primarily a descriptive state. Do not use it to mean physically moving quickly from one place to another, which is expressed by the slang 閃.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
