sing2醒

Jyutpingsing2

Yalesíng

形容詞Very common

Definition

Smart, clever, perceptive, or resourceful.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Often used to describe someone who is quick-witted or street-smart rather than just book-smart. It implies an ability to read a situation and act in one's own best interest. When used as a verb, it means to wake up, but in this adjective sense, it carries a positive connotation of being alert and capable.

Examples

nei5你zan1真hai6係hou2好sing2醒，gam3咁dou1都nam2諗dou3到。

You are really smart, to have thought of that.

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好sing2醒muk6目，dim2點wui2會gam3咁jik6易bei2俾jan4人aak3呃？

He is usually very sharp, how could he be tricked so easily?

Common phrases

sing2醒muk6目zai2仔

a smart or sharp guy

gau3夠sing2醒

smart enough

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the verb 醒 meaning to wake up, as the context usually makes the distinction clear. Using it to describe someone who is simply intelligent in an academic sense can sound slightly off, as it leans more towards being savvy or quick on one's feet.