sing1惺
Jyutpingsing1
Yalesīng
Definition
Intelligent, astute, or tranquil.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to a sharp, quick-witted, or perceptive nature in a person. It carries a positive connotation of being street-smart or mentally agile, often used to describe someone who is difficult to deceive. While it can mean tranquil in literary contexts, in modern spoken Cantonese, it almost exclusively describes intelligence or alertness.
Examples
He is very astute; he can see through what you are thinking at a glance.
This matter is so complicated, how can you be so sharp about it?
Related words
Common phrases
mutual appreciation between talented people
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 醒, which is the much more common character used for clever or awake. Using 惺 in writing is often considered a stylistic choice or a variant, but 醒 is the standard term for being smart or awake in daily life.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
